Ghana to Harness $130 Billion Global Chocolate Market for Job Creation, Says Trade Minister

Accra: Madam Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, announced that the Mahama-led government plans to capitalize on the $130.72 billion global chocolate market to generate job opportunities for Ghanaians. In a statement presented in Parliament to commemorate the 2025 National Chocolate Day, she highlighted the expected growth of the global chocolate market to $172 billion by 2030. The government aims to boost investment in the cocoa industry to enhance exports through value addition and strategic development.According to Ghana News Agency, the government plans to establish cocoa colleges and factories in cocoa-producing regions, and promote welfare measures such as cocoa pensions for farmers. The minister emphasized the importance of supplying pest-resistant cocoa seedlings and advocated for social responsibility and fair-trade practices within the cocoa sector. Acknowledging the contributions of cocoa farmers and industry players, Madam Ofosu-Adjare expressed gratitude f or their role in driving economic growth.In a related statement, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, urged Ghanaians to share chocolates with loved ones to boost the consumption of cocoa products. She noted that celebrating Chocolate Day would enhance national unity, pride, and domestic tourism, while stressing the importance of fair trade in the cocoa industry.During the celebration, Golden Tree Chocolate bars were distributed to passengers and tourists at Kotoka International Airport to promote Ghanaian chocolate brands. Additionally, a chocolate tree stand was set up at the Ghana Tourism Authority offices to offer free chocolate drinks to staff and visitors. The week-long event, themed 'Eat Chocolate, Stay Healthy and Grow Ghana,' aimed to raise awareness about the health benefits of cocoa and encourage sustainable consumption.The National Chocolate Day, initiated in 2007, will culminate in a float through Accra's main streets, concluding with a durbar at t he Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. Madam Dzifa Gomashie encouraged the public to use the occasion to gift chocolates, fostering love and support for Ghanaian chocolate brands.