Iran, China express interest in Ghana cocoa

Big cocoa companies from the Kingdom of Iran and China have expressed interests in setting up businesses in Ghana to trade in the cash crop.

Apart from the two, other foreign and indigenous companies have as well expressed their interests in setting up and trading in the commodity which was one-time Ghana’s most reliable export crop.

Public Affairs Manager of Ghana Cocobod, Mr. Noah Kwasi Amenya, made these disclosures during a press briefing in Kumasi last week.

He also revealed that by government assistance an indigenous cocoa company known as Wamco, which folded up due to numerous challenges, would bounce back to business soon.

All these, according to the Public Affairs Manager, were part of initiatives from the new Cocobod Board to add value to cocoa produced in Ghana.

Already he disclosed that the employment of about 50,000 people in the Youth in Cocoa Production drive introduced by government had been taken seriously and the setting up of the foreign companies would greatly contribute to employing more youth.

Mr. Amenya said Cocobod has resolved to promote and publicise products from the cocoa industry to ensure that the purchase and consumption of cocoa products become the choice of Ghanaians and then the world.

According to him, there is a lot to derive from cocoa consumption including its nutritional and health benefits since the cocoa drink has proven to be an effective medicine to treat diabetes and hypertension.

He announced that there will be a launch of cocoa consumption in Kumasi on October 2, 2017 to promote Ghana’s cocoa.

The launch, which will be a four-day event, according to Mr. Amenyah, will afford traders in cocoa products and services the opportunity to exhibit their goods.

He also announced the official conferring of the title of Cocoa Ambassador on the Asante King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the grand ceremony on the 2nd of October.

The king, according to the Public Affairs Manager, has accepted to lead the crusade for the regular consumption of cocoa products.

The President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is expected to officially open the four-day programme and kick-start the revolution to ensure the consumption of cocoa products all year round.

Source: Todaygh.com