By Edward Dankwah
Accra, June 12, GNA – AAK, a global leader in plant-based oils and fats, in partnership with the Embassy of Denmark in Ghana, has launched the inaugural AAK Academy to enhance innovation, technical expertise and value addition in food processing.
The initiative forms part of AAK’s broader commitment to advancing technical capability and sustainable value creation within Ghana’s agro-processing sector.
A statement issued in Accra said it also executes on the innovation pillar of the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) in January 2026 to support the development of Ghana’s shea value chain.
Established in Denmark in 2007, the AAK AcademyTM is AAK’s flagship platform for knowledge sharing and innovation, designed to equip customers and industry partners with technical expertise, market insights and practical solutions that support product development and business growth.
It said the introduction of the Academy in Ghana extended this global platform to local manufacturers, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and stronger participation in regional and international markets.
The Academy, launched in Accra, on the theme “Inspiration in Chocolate and Confectionery Production,” brought together stakeholders from the MOFA, the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the European Union Delegation, as well as industry players and diplomatic partners.
Mr. Lasse Skaksen, the Vice President and Head of AAK West Africa, said the Academy reflected AAK’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s industrial and agricultural value chains through collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing.
“We see tremendous potential within Ghana’s chocolate and confectionery industry. Unlocking that potential requires stronger collaboration, access to technical expertise, global market insights and partnerships that support local ambition and growth,” he said.
He said through AAK Academy, they were sharing their global expertise to support local manufacturers in developing more competitive products, strengthening technical capabilities and creating new opportunities within regional and international markets.
He said leading local chocolate producers in Ghana, including FairAfric, 57 Chocolates and Bioko Treats, also participated in the launch alongside industry professionals and key stakeholders from across the food value chain.
Mr Jakob Linulf, the Ambassador of Denmark to Ghana, noted that the initiative strengthened the longstanding partnership between Ghana and Denmark, particularly within the agriculture and food sectors.
“At a time when Ghana is seeking to leverage agriculture as a driver of economic transformation, partnerships that promote local processing, innovation and skills development are critically important.,” he said.
The Ambassador said beyond exporting raw materials, there was the need to create jobs, strengthen industries and add value within Ghana.
Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, the Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness (PIAA), representing the Minister for Food and Agriculture, commended the AAK for its continued investment and support for Ghana’s agricultural transformation agenda.
He said chocolate had been selected as the entry point for the pilot because of its relevance to Ghana’s cocoa-based economy and the significant potential for value addition within the segment.
The pilot marks the first step in the rollout of the AAK AcademyTM in Ghana, which will expand beyond chocolate and confectionery into broader food and non-food applications, including bakery, dairy, cosmetics and personal care.
Through this approach, the Academy aims to build technical capability, foster cross-sector innovation and strengthen Ghana’s position within regional and global value chains.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah