By Laudia Sawer
Tema, Feb. 14, GNA – Every year, as February 14 dawns, Ghana is wrapped in a wave of sweetness, with chocolate sales soaring as Ghanaians eagerly join the world in celebrating St. Valentine’s Day.
The occasion also doubles as National Chocolate Day, a time when love is expressed in the rich, velvety form of Ghana’s finest cocoa treats.
At the heart of the celebration is Golden Tree chocolate, the nation’s signature delight, synonymous with premium Ghanaian cocoa. From plush supermarkets to humble roadside stalls, the deep crimson hues of Valentine’s decorations blend seamlessly with the glossy, red-packaged Kingsbite chocolates, dominating shop displays.
Every street in Tema, the vibrant industrial and port city—from Casino to the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) environs, appears dipped in a sea of red.
Adorned in bright red attire, vendors turn the day into a seasonal cash bonanza. Their stalls overflow with heart-shaped chocolate boxes, ribbon-wrapped treats, and carefully stacked Kingsbite bars and other Golden Tree packages, all set to tempt eager passersby.
The Non-Melting Marvel
The Ghana News Agency (GNA) observed a fascinating phenomenon—despite being displayed under the scorching sun for hours, these chocolates remain solid, unfazed by the heat. Hawkers skilfully balance them between their fingers, making sharp hissing sounds to attract buyers, drivers stuck in traffic, passengers peering from ‘trotro’ windows, or lovebirds looking to swee
But what is the secret behind Ghana’s non-melting chocolate? Behind this little miracle lies a story of innovation, passion, and the brilliance of Ghanaian graduates, who have perfected a cocoa formula that defies the tropical heat.
Ghana’s Cocoa Innovation
Nana Agyemang Ansong, Sales and Marketing Manager for the Cocoa Processing Company (CPC), producers of the Golden Tree brand, told GNA.
“We know how to make chocolate. Ghanaians should be proud of our own.”
He revealed that Ghanaian graduates, skilled and innovative, developed techniques to keep the chocolate solid even under the sun, ensuring that what consumers eat is real chocolate, not just candy.
“The quality of our single-origin sun-dried cocoa beans also makes this possible,” he added.
Through these innovations, CPC has expanded its product line beyond chocolate bars to include various flavours, beverages, spreads, and pebbles. Now, chocolate lovers can enjoy varieties containing between 40% and 90% cocoa, tailored to their health needs.
Health Benefits of Cocoa
Nana Ansong encouraged Ghanaians to make cocoa consumption a daily habit, citing its numerous health benefits, which include cognitive development in children, dental and eye health, regulation of blood sugar levels, management of high blood pressure, and cardiovascular health.
However, he advised individuals with low blood pressure to consult their doctors before consuming large quantities, as cocoa naturally lowers blood pressure.
Share the Chocolate Love
As Ghana continues to champion its cocoa heritage, and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) promotes the tradition of sharing chocolate on February 14, do not be left out!
Grab a Kingsbite bar from a shop or roadside vendor and share a chocolaty Valentine’s Day with someone special.
GNA