The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has justified the allocation of $5 million to the school feeding programme.
According to Joseph Boahen Aidoo, this is to sensitise the public on the health benefit of cocoa and promote local consumption.
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The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has raised concerns about government’s decision to use a chunk of the $600 million loan to boost the cocoa sector on promotional activities.
They argued that spending such a huge amount on consumption of chocolates is a waste of the tax payers monies.
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Mr Aidoo on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme, Friday said the NDC is just engaging in cheap politics.
He explained that, given the medicinal benefits of cocoa, especially in the development of the brain, it is very imperative schoolchildren are made targets.
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The COCOBOD CEO also explained that, scientists have established the medicinal properties of consuming cocoa products prevent diabetes and other chronic diseases.
Hon. Aidoo said there is nothing wrong in investing in the wellbeing of the future generation.