By Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Navrongo (U/E), Feb. 14, GNA – The Upper East Regional Directorate of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has marked this year’s National Chocolate Day with inmates of the Navrongo Central Prison, sharing chocolate and other cocoa products to demonstrate love, solidarity, and a sense of belonging.
The celebration, which coincided with Valentine’s Day, formed part of efforts to promote the consumption of made-in-Ghana chocolate and cocoa-based products while extending compassion to vulnerable groups in society.
Held on the theme “Eat Chocolate, Stay Healthy, Grow Ghana” with a sub-theme “Experience Ghana, Share the Cocoa Love,” the event highlighted the importance of cocoa to national development and wellbeing.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Regional Director, Mr Joseph Azika, the Regional Director of the GTA, Mr Joseph Apiagyei, said although February 14 is internationally observed as Valentine’s Day, the Government has dedicated the day to promoting Ghana’s cocoa industry and encouraging healthy lifestyles.
He explained that the global celebration of Valentine’s Day, rooted in ancient Roman and Christian traditions honouring Saint Valentine, had over the years been misrepresented and sometimes linked to social vices.
To safeguard socio-cultural values and promote a key national asset, he said the GTA repositioned the day as National Chocolate Day.
He noted that the celebration also aligns with the Government’s tourism policy direction, “The Black Star Experience,” which seeks to showcase Ghana’s identity and cultural heritage.
Mr Apiagyei emphasised that cocoa remains an integral part of Ghana’s national identity and economy.
Apart from its economic contributions—such as job creation and income generation—he said cocoa products offer significant health benefits, including improved blood circulation, reduced blood pressure, lowered cholesterol levels, and enhanced mood.
He told the inmates that chocolate symbolises love, friendship, and affection, adding that the gesture at the prison was to demonstrate shared responsibility and assure them that they are not forgotten.
Navro Pio Pe Denis Aneakwoa Balinia Adda Asagpare II, who graced the occasion, encouraged the inmates to remain hopeful and steadfast, assuring them that they would one day reunite with their families.
The Kassena-Nankana Municipal Chief Executive, Ms Faustina Abulu, expressed appreciation to the GTA for the gesture and reaffirmed Government’s commitment to improving conditions at the facility.
Superintendent of Prisons, Mr Alhassan Nyankpani, Public Relations Officer of the Navrongo Central Prison, speaking on behalf of the Commander, Deputy Director of Prisons Augustine Bopam, thanked the GTA for the show of love.
He appealed for support to improve the prison’s infrastructure and provide vocational training for inmates.
The inmates expressed gratitude to the GTA and its partners for the visit and for making them part of the national celebration.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali / Lydia Kukua Asamoah