The Minority in Parliament has rejected chocolate distributed on the floor of the House during activities marking this year’s National Chocolate Day, describing the gesture as a symbolic protest against what they call the poor treatment of cocoa farmers.
The incident occurred after the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, delivered a statement to commemorate the annual celebration, which promotes the consumption of locally produced chocolate and highlights the importance of cocoa to Ghana’s economy.
Following her remarks, chocolate was shared among Members of Parliament as part of the traditional observance. However, members of the Minority declined to accept it, with the Member of Parliament for Bosome-Freho, Nana Asafu-Adjei, explaining that their action was intended to draw attention to the plight of cocoa farmers.
According to him, it would be inappropriate to celebrate chocolate while many farmers continue to face challenges, including concerns over producer prices and delayed payments.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, criticised the Minority’s action, arguing that rejecting chocolate on Chocolate Day sends the wrong signal and could undermine efforts to promote the cocoa industry.
He emphasised that the celebration is meant to encourage the patronage of Ghanaian chocolate and support the livelihoods of farmers, rather than diminish their contribution.
The exchange comes amid heightened political debate over the cocoa sector. In recent weeks, the government announced a revised producer price following a review by the Producer Price Review Committee, citing declining global cocoa prices and broader financial pressures facing the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
The Minority has been vocal in its criticism of the government’s handling of the sector, while the Majority insists that ongoing reforms are necessary to stabilise the industry and protect its long-term sustainability.
National Chocolate Day, observed annually on February 14, was introduced to promote local consumption of cocoa products and celebrate Ghana’s status as one of the world’s leading cocoa producers.
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