Chocolate Day To Help Ghana Produce 24,000 Kg Of Cocoa Per Annum

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCBOD) would mark this year's National Chocolate Day celebrations at Krodua, a cocoa growing community in the Eastern Region. The 2016 National Chocolate Day celebration, which is to replace Valentine's Day, is aimed at promoting the youth in cocoa programme, while at the same time encouraging them to consume more cocoa.

This was contained in a press statement signed by Noah K. Amenyah -Public Affairs Director of COCOBOD, who said the programme is scheduled to take place this Saturday. Mr. Amenyah explained the reason behind the selection of Krodua for the National Chocolate Day, saying in July, 2015, the Chief of Krodua -Nana Anim II, promised to release 500 acres of fertile land to the youth of his community, who may be interested in cocoa farming.

According to Mr. Amenyah, the 500 acres of land released by the chief was to contribute his quota to the Youth in Cocoa Initiative, which is aimed at encouraging the youth to venture into cocoa farming.

Currently, the town has a population of about 6,000 people with over 400 of them being cocoa farmers.

The Public Affair Manager said the Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD, Dr. Stephen K Opuni, declared his intention to ensure a sustainable cocoa production through massive involvement of the youth, among other interventions.

Mr Amenyah indicated that the intervention currently has attracted more than 40,000 youths across the country to register with the Youth in Cocoa Initiative, adding “If this programme is supported, it will be a major boost to cocoa production in the next few years, giving Ghana about 24,000 kg of Cocoa per annum (considering an average production of 120kg per hectare)”.

He, however, called on the youth, especially those from the rural areas, who have travelled to the cities in search of greener pastures to return home and take part in the celebration.  The musicians would be made to make statements on the need for the youth to go into cocoa farming, he noted.

Officials from COCOBOD will take advantage of the presence of the youth to talk extensively about the Youth in Cocoa Initiative and publicize all the interventions being implemented by the Board, he said adding there will also be a talk on cocoa consumption.

Mr. Amenyah continued that there will also be a durbar where the Chief will officially inform the youth about the available land and invite them to take advantage of it. An attempt will also be made to register all interested youth and begin the process of forming a youth association in the area to be called Krodua Young Cocoa Farmers Association (KROFA).

By Bernice Bessey