Chocolate, cocoa exhibition to mark Valentine’s Day
A grand exhibition of chocolate and cocoa-based products is scheduled to take place at the Accra Mall Saturday to climax this year’s National Chocolate Day celebration.
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According to a statement issued by the Ghana Tourist Authority (GTA) in Accra there would also be a tour to the Cocoa Research Institute, Tafo and Bunso Arboretum, as part of the celebration.
The events are jointly being organised by the GTA, the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and the Cocoa Processing Company (CPC).
The National Chocolate Day, instituted in 2006, is aimed at promoting the consumption of Ghana’s chocolate and cocoa-based products, minimise anti-social vices associated with the celebration of Valentine’s Day, increase awareness on the health benefits of chocolate and boost domestic tourism.
Chocolate Day programmes
The National Chocolate Day, which is in its ninth year since its introduction onto the tourism calendar of events, has increased awareness of the positive effects of the consumption of chocolate.
This year’s celebration is on the theme, “Chocolate Makes Everything Better.”
The statement said workshops and seminars had already been organised as part of activities marking the day.
The workshops, the statement indicated, were attended by a seasoned chocolatier from South Africa and expert pastry chefs from Mauritius and Kenya, as well as leading local pastry chefs, cake decorators and catering school instructors.
There was also an educational forum on cocoa at the National Theatre, Accra yesterday.
Significance
The statement said socially, chocolate symbolised love, and it was mostly given out during the celebration of Valentine’s Day.
Thus, it still remains the most popular gift on the day as it brings friends, families and people from all walks of life together to enjoy the product. It also promotes love on Valentine’s day.
Health wise, chocolate is made from plants containing several health benefits. Studies have found chocolate to be one of the best cancer-fighting foods.
Economically, chocolate provides foreign exchange for the country and also creates jobs, which alleviate poverty.
Ghana’s cocoa and chocolate are touted as the best in the world.