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The Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of operations at Ghana Cocoa Board, Dr. Emmanuel Opoku, has emphasized the urgent need for value addition in the cocoa industry.
Addressing stakeholders at the Chocolatarium held on Wednesday, February 14th, 2024, to culminate the national Chocolate Week, Dr. Opoku challenged farmers, processors, and stakeholders to explore innovative ways to elevate cocoa-based products.
He stressed that cocoa encompasses a broader spectrum beyond chocolate and urged a paradigm shift towards diversification. Highlighting the untapped potential of cocoa in various products beyond conventional chocolates, Dr. Opoku underscored the importance of reducing Ghana’s reliance on exporting raw cocoa. He also emphasized the economic benefits of value-added cocoa products.
Furthermore, Dr. Opoku reiterated Ghana Cocoa Board’s unwavering commitment to supporting farmers and producers through various initiatives, including marketing campaigns, training programs, and advisory services. He also emphasized the board’s dedication to leveraging cocoa’s role in advancing the tourism industry, recognizing the symbiotic relationship between cocoa cultivation and tourism development.
“We must go beyond the Chocolate Week celebration,” Dr. Opoku emphasized, urging stakeholders to maintain a business-oriented approach throughout the year. He highlighted the need for sustained efforts to capitalize on cocoa’s potential, ensuring its prominence in the global market.
Highlighting the shift in focus, Dr. Opoku remarked, “The celebration would still be observed with the eating and giving out of chocolate as gifts. But the business of chocolate would be how we can use cocoa beans to do more than chocolate.”
The Chocolatarium – The Business of Chocolate event provided a platform for stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue on harnessing the economic potential of Ghana’s cocoa industry. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the event aimed to propel the cocoa industry towards sustainable growth and economic prosperity.
