Accra: 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.
According to Ghana News Agency, 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.
The introduction of the Academy in Ghana extends 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, stated that 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.
Through AAK Academy, they are 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. 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 emphasized that beyond exporting raw materials, there is a 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 AAK for its continued investment and support for Ghana's agricultural transformation agenda.
Chocolate has 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.