Accra: The Greater Accra Regional Office of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has distributed chocolate bars to inmates at the Accra Central Charge Office to mark this year's Chocolate Month celebration. Mrs Roberta Dawson Amoah, Greater Accra Regional Director of the GTA, announced that February has been designated as 'Chocolate Month' to promote the consumption of cocoa products and highlight their health and economic benefits.
According to Ghana News Agency, the GTA and stakeholders within the tourism fraternity have dedicated the month to celebrating chocolate with the public while raising awareness about the importance of cocoa to the nation's economy and individual well-being. The theme for this year's celebration is 'Eat Cocoa, Stay Healthy and Grow Ghana,' with the sub-theme 'Experience Ghana, Share the Cocoa Love.'
Mrs Amoah emphasized that the Authority's gesture towards the inmates was a reminder that they are not forgotten. 'We want to tell them that no matter where they find themselves today, they are not forgotten; they are loved,' she stated. In addition to distributing chocolates, the team held a praise session with the inmates, who responded positively to the initiative.
Each year, the Authority selects a target group to engage during Chocolate Month, and for 2026, the focus was on inmates nationwide. 'Every year, we have a target group that we share with. This year, we just decided to be with the inmates, and it is nationwide, so, every region is celebrating the moment with inmates in their jurisdiction,' Mrs Amoah explained.
The initiative aims to ensure that the message on cocoa and chocolate consumption reaches all segments of society. 'Sometimes, where they find themselves, it is heavy and stressful. And when we send the message across, we normally take it that it is for people on the street. But this morning's gesture is to tell everybody that no matter where you are in society, this chocolate and cocoa message is for you,' she added.
Mrs Amoah also highlighted the health benefits of cocoa and chocolate, particularly for those in stressful environments. 'It is very beneficial to everyone. We just want to let them know that it is beneficial to consume chocolate and cocoa-based products. Especially those of them in that situation, if they consume chocolate and cocoa-based products, it will boost their immunity and help them bear stress better,' she said.
She extended warm wishes to the public on Chocolate Month and encouraged all to enjoy Ghanaian cocoa and chocolate for their benefits. Chief Inspector Francis Dunu, Station Officer at the Accra Central Charge Office, expressed gratitude to the Authority on behalf of the inmates. 'On behalf of the Commander, Superintendent Vera Ayensu, we say thank you for giving this love to our inmates. In fact, we were not expecting it. May God bless you. We hope that you come every year to visit us,' he remarked.