Efforts to boost the cocoa and chocolate industry in the country have received a boost with a summit to discuss the prospects in the industry.
Dubbed ‘the Chocolatarium Business Summit’ the day’s summit is being organised by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel.
Under the auspices of the Ghana CARES Obaatan Pa Programme, the event seeks to promote the consumption of cocoa and support local businesses in the cocoa value chain in the midst of the economic challenges presented by the COVID-19.
The discussions for the programme are designed in line with the mission of the Ghana CARES Obaatan Pa Programme to support businesses and highlight the importance of value creation, promotion and funding of chocolate manufacturers.
In a statement issued in Accra on Saturday and copied to the Ghanaian Times, the Chief Executive Officer of GTA, Mr Akwasi Agyeman, said the summit sought to bring together stakeholders within the chocolate value chain to discuss ideas on value creation, and funding for artisanal chocolate manufacturers.
“After a successful celebration of the second edition of the National Chocolate Week, GTA is introducing the Chocolatarium Business Summit to highlight ways in which we can reap the economic benefits of chocolates while promoting its consumption. We will also explore ways to boost chocolate consumption in the hospitality sector. This summit promises to be edifying and insightful,” he said.
He acknowledged the support of the Government of Ghana under the Ghana CARES Obaatan Pa Programme, saying “GTA is appreciative of the support government is rolling out to ensure that businesses in the cocoa and chocolate sector are empowered to positively contribute to the economic transformation of the country.”
The Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr John Ampontuah Kumah, said the Chocolatarium Business Summit formed part of programmes of the government to boost local businesses and help the Ghanaian youth take advantage of business opportunities that exist in the cocoa and chocolate sector.
The Chocolatarium Business Summit is in partnership with the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), GIPC, Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), Ghana Exports Promotion Authority (GEPA), EXIM Bank and Cocoa Value Addition Artisans Association of Ghana (COVAAGH).
High profile personalities expected in attendance include the Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr John Kumah; the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GEPA, Dr AfuaAsabea Asare; CEO of COCOBOD, Mr Joseph Boahen-Aidoo; CEO of GEA, Mrs Kosi Yankey-Ayeh and CEO of GIPC, Mr Yofi Grant.
BY VIVIAN ARTHUR