Accra, Jan 25, GNA - This year's Valentine Day would again be dubbed "National Chocolates Day" to promote the consumption of locally produced cocoa products, the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations announced on Friday.

This year's Chocolates Day would be the second in the

series to promote Ghana as a preferred cocoa tourist

destination. Briefing the media in Accra on the event, Mr. Stephen

Asamoah Boateng, Sector Minister said Ghana's cocoa was a

hot product internationally because of its natural quality and

good taste. He said there was the need for private sector support to

invest in promoting cocoa by introducing innovative products,

which would attract consumers to patronize it. The Minister urged the Ghana Chef Association to be at a

forefront to promote cocoa consumption and urged the media

to also assist the Ministry in this direction. Mr Asamoah Boateng also urged the public to use

chocolate as a symbol of love and enjoy the health benefits

that come with eating cocoa products, saying "it will help you

to prevent heart diseases, certain cancers and makes

sportsmen stronger". Mr Ekwow Rhule, Public Relations Manager of Cocoa

Processing Company (CPC) said the company was happy to

partner government in the promotion of cocoa consumption. He said with the promotion of the campaign last year, the

CPC supplied three times the demand of chocolate during the

Valentine's Day alone, adding this did not even meet the

demand that day. Mr Rhule said the CPC would stock its depots with more

chocolates to avoid shortages this year. Ms. Cecilia Dei Annan, Public Affairs Manager, Nestle

Ghana Limited, said Nestle known in Ghana for the production

of a popular Milo beverage, would also support the campaign

and use its product Choco-Milo to promote the occasion. Mr Sam Allotey, Brand Manager for Cadbury Ghana

Limited, producers of Richoco, said the company was

committed to its social responsibility and would therefore help

promote the campaign. As part of the campaign, the Ministry will on February 14,

together with HelpAge Ghana, a non-governmental

organization and other partners donate to the aged to show

love and appreciation for their contribution to national

development. The Ministry in conjunction with Hot FM, an Accra based

radio station, would also organise a "Hot Chocolate Party" on

the same day. There would also be an exhibition of chocolate pastries and

food by chefs at the National Theatre in Accra in addition to

other programmes at the regional levels.