Ghana Tourism Authority unveils plans for 2025 National Chocolate Week festivities

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), in collaboration with COCOBOD and the Cocoa Processing Company, has unveiled plans for the 2025 National Chocolate Week, a celebration that will run from February 3 to February 14, 2025. This year’s event, themed “Eat Chocolate, Stay Healthy, Grow Ghana,” with the sub-theme “Chocolate for All: Taste, Share, and Care,” aims to highlight the numerous health benefits of chocolate consumption while also promoting Ghana’s thriving cocoa industry.

The initiative, organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, will serve as a platform to raise awareness about the economic, cultural, and health advantages associated with Ghana’s chocolate products. The National Chocolate Week is not only about indulging in the country’s beloved cocoa-based treats but also about recognizing and celebrating the contributions of cocoa farmers, whose hard work and dedication have propelled Ghana to become one of the world’s leading producers of high-quality cocoa beans.

National Chocolate Day, which started in 2005, was originally created to coincide with Valentine’s Day on February 14. The celebration’s primary goal was to encourage Ghanaians to consume locally made chocolate and other cocoa-based products, in turn boosting the national cocoa industry. By 2021, the celebration evolved into a week-long event, with support from COCOBOD and GTA, and has since become a key fixture on the country’s annual calendar of events.

This year, the celebration will feature a diverse range of activities designed to engage both the public and various stakeholders. The GTA’s regional offices will visit pediatric wards in hospitals across the country on February 14, sharing chocolate treats with children to spread joy and raise awareness about the importance of local cocoa production. These visits are part of the larger mission to educate the public about the nutritional and medicinal properties of chocolate, as well as its positive impact on health when consumed in moderation.

Alongside these hospital visits, there will be media campaigns and public sensitization programs throughout the week, from February 3 to February 14. The aim of these campaigns is to educate the public about the health benefits of chocolate, which include improved heart health, cognitive function, and mood enhancement, thanks to the antioxidants found in cocoa.

On February 13, a special event titled “Melting Moment” will take place at the Ghana Tourism Authority’s Head Office. During this event, visitors will be treated to a variety of warm chocolate beverages, offering a chance to experience the comfort and richness of chocolate in a unique and welcoming setting. This activity is designed to invite people to relax and indulge in the simple joys of chocolate while learning more about its significance in Ghanaian culture.

The grand finale of National Chocolate Week will take place on February 14 with a spectacular float parade through the main streets of Accra. The parade will showcase the country’s cocoa products and culminate in a stakeholder durbar at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. The event will serve as a gathering point for industry leaders, farmers, and the general public to celebrate the importance of chocolate in Ghana’s economy and culture.

Additionally, an activation event at Kotoka International Airport will raise awareness about the health benefits of chocolate while distributing chocolate bars to incoming passengers. This initiative aims to introduce Ghana’s world-famous chocolate products to international visitors and promote the country’s cocoa industry on a global scale.

Throughout the entire week, hotels, restaurants, and eateries across the country will be encouraged to include chocolate-based dishes and desserts on their menus. Participating establishments will also be invited to offer complimentary chocolates to their guests on Valentine’s Day, further reinforcing the connection between chocolate and love. This gesture is intended to show appreciation for patrons while promoting the idea of chocolate as a gift of affection and wellness.

In conclusion, the 2025 National Chocolate Week promises to be a memorable celebration that not only promotes the health benefits of chocolate but also supports Ghana’s cocoa industry and celebrates its cultural significance. The event highlights the role of chocolate in fostering national pride, health, and economic growth, ensuring that the legacy of Ghanaian cocoa continues to thrive for generations to come.