Free chocolate products for school children February 14
Selected school children in the Eastern and Greater Accra Regions would have their taste buds delighted to free delicious and nutritious cocoa products, prior to the National Chocolate Day celebration, slated for February 14, 2012.
The free distribution of cocoa drink and chocolate products scheduled for February 12, and 13 this year, is under the sponsorship of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Ghana Tourist Authority, Cocoa Processing Company and Gamblings Limited, a cocoa company.
Mr Noah Amenyah, Corporate Affairs Manager of COCOBOD, who announced this to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in a telephone interview on Friday in Accra, said the Board would show a documentary on health benefits of cocoa consumption.
He said the documentary would encourage and improve daily cocoa consumption habit among Ghanaians to promote good health.
Research findings on the health benefits of cocoa has shown that unsweetened cocoa powder contains chemical elements that help in fighting cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, premature ejaculation, high cholesterol levels in blood and depression.
In Ghana, February 14 has been set aside each year to promote consumption of cocoa products, particularly chocolate. The day is observed globally in honor of a Christian martyr named Saint Valentine.
It is also traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards.
The media in Ghana had over the years promoted the celebration of Valentine Day, which has raised much awareness and participation by Ghanaians.
It is expected that the National Chocolate Day would provide the avenue for Ghanaians, and visitors alike to use cocoa products to demonstrate their love to family and friends by purchasing the products for them.
Four days to the day, many shop owners in the Tema Lorry Station and the central business in Accra, say patronage of cocoa products had been low.
Traders are, however, optimistic that patronage will improve.
Source: GNA