Tweneboa Kodua Fokuo
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Manso Nkwanta, Tweneboa Kodua Fokuo, has called for the positioning of Ghana as a global chocolate hub, saying that this move can attract tourists annually, especially on Valentine’s Day.
The MP, contributing to a statement on the floor of Parliament, commended the Ministry of Tourism for successfully branding Ghana as a Christmas destination.
He believes it is now time to focus on the country’s rich cocoa heritage by promoting Ghana as the ultimate chocolate destination.
With Ghana’s dominance in cocoa production, Mr. Fokuo emphasised that the country should shift from simply exporting raw cocoa beans to producing and adding value through specialty chocolate.
“Ghana is known for its high-quality, sustainable, and ethically sourced cocoa,” the lawmaker said.
“We must leverage this advantage to promote our cocoa, not just as a raw material, but as a key product in the chocolate-making industry,” he added.
He stressed the importance of investment in local chocolate manufacturing, encouraging both local entrepreneurs and international investors to form partnerships with licensed cocoa buying companies to establish facilities for chocolate production.
This, according to Mr. Fokuo, would help in creating a distinct Ghanaian chocolate identity that highlights the nation’s rich cultural heritage through unique flavours and attractive packaging.
Mr. Fokuo further urged the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts to consider collaborating with global organisations to promote Ghana as the “Chocolate Capital of the World,” especially during the Valentine’s Day period.
The MP said proposed activities include chocolate tasting events, cooking classes, and cultural performances, all designed to draw international visitors and celebrate Ghana’s cocoa.
He also underscored the potential benefits of collaboration with international chocolate experts to improve production technologies and share knowledge.
In addition, the MP emphasised the need to focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, particularly in agriculture and food processing, to build a skilled workforce for the industry.
To kickstart this ambitious initiative, Mr. Fokuo urged the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts to create a favourable policy environment to support the growth of the chocolate industry.
“This is a great opportunity for Ghana to showcase its cocoa heritage and turn it into a major tourist attraction that will benefit both the economy and local communities,” he added.
With such efforts, he indicated that Ghana could carve out a new niche in the global tourism and chocolate industries, positioning itself as a must-visit destination for chocolate lovers worldwide.
By Ernest Kofi Adu