The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), in collaboration with the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and the Cocoa Processing Company [CPC], Nestlé Ghana Limited and Starr FM, will celebrate this year’s annual National Chocolate Day tomorrow February, 14.

This year’s celebration is under the theme: ‘Chocolate: The Gift Of Love’ and it will be held at the West Hills Mall in Accra.

According to a statement issued by the GTA in Accra, the programme of activities lined up for this year’s event include a tour to Tetteh Quarshie and Jubilee Cocoa Farms at the Mampong Akuapem by school children, tourist clubs as well as the general public today.

During the tour, participants will be educated on the history behind the cocoa farms, harvesting process and an educational forum on cocoa products to promote the consumption of cocoa-based products.

The statement said there will be an exhibition of cocoa-based products alongside the chef’s culinary competition at the West Hill Mall tomorrow. The competition will include the making of chocolate-based dishes, cakes, pastries and desserts.

It continued that the GTA regional offices will also organise agro-based tours for school children and tourist clubs.

The statement further said chocolate products have been positioned as ideal gift and the perfect expression of love during the Valentine’s Day celebration, adding, “It will be nice of everyone to give out a box of or bar of chocolate to the vulnerable in society and your loved ones on the National Chocolate Day.”

The National Chocolate Day, instituted in 2006, is aimed at promoting the consumption of Ghana chocolate and cocoa-based products, minimising anti-social vices associated with the celebration of Valentine’s Day, increase awareness on the health benefits of chocolate and boost domestic tourism.