Pru-East Member of Parliament, Hon. Emmanuel Kwaku Boam, has urged the government to reduce chocolate prices to make the treat more accessible to all Ghanaians.
“Chocolate is not a luxury; it’s a treat that should be enjoyed by all,” Hon. Boam stated in Parliament ahead of Ghana’s Chocolate Day celebrations.
The MP underscored the significant medicinal and health benefits of chocolate, encouraging citizens to “share chocolates and spread love” during the Valentine’s Day season.
However, he noted a disconnect between the encouragement to buy local and the current market reality.
Hon. Boam pointed out that while the public is encouraged to patronise locally made products, prices remain prohibitively high—especially for residents in his constituency.
He observed that many of his constituents view chocolate as a non-essential item and would rather spend their limited resources on other necessities.
To address these challenges, Hon. Boam emphasised the need for increased local production and value addition.
He expressed gratitude toward the president for the 24-hour economy initiative, which is aimed at boosting Ghana’s chocolate industry.
He argued that specifically reducing prices during celebrations like National Chocolate Day and Valentine’s Day would allow more Ghanaians to participate in the season’s spirit of sharing.
In his closing remarks, Emmanuel Kwaku Boam expressed optimism regarding the future of the sector.
He noted that the government’s 24-hour economy policy, combined with the newly announced decision to process 50% of Ghana’s cocoa locally, will be a major catalyst for change.
He believes these steps will not only make chocolate more affordable but will also create vital job opportunities for the country’s unemployed youth.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
