MCE AND DEPUTY CEO OF GHANA TOURISM AUTHORITY JOINTLY LAUNCH COCOA CITY EXPERIENCE IN SEFWI WIAWSO

The Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly, in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), officially launched the Cocoa City Experience on Thursday, 2nd October 2025, at the forecourt of the Assembly.

The event, a major initiative under the Assembly’s tourism and local economic development agenda, aims to promote Sefwi Wiawso as the ‘Cocoa City’ of Ghana celebrating its rich cocoa heritage, vibrant culture, and potential as a hub for agro-tourism and value addition.

The colourful ceremony attracted traditional leaders, government officials, cocoa farmers, youth groups, women associations, and tourism stakeholders, all united to celebrate the district’s proud identity as the heart of Ghana’s cocoa economy.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Abeiku Aggrey Santana, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, lauded the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly for its visionary initiative.

He described the Cocoa City Experience as a transformational platform that will merge agriculture, culture, and tourism to drive local economic growth.

“This initiative is a bold step toward redefining tourism at the community level. Cocoa is not just an export commodity; it is a symbol of Ghana’s pride, resilience, and identity,” he said.

“Through the Cocoa City Experience, we are inviting the world to see, feel, and taste Ghana’s story through cocoa — from the farm to the finished product.”

He reaffirmed the Ghana Tourism Authority’s commitment to partner with the Assembly to promote domestic tourism, enhance infrastructure, and develop cocoa-themed attractions such as farm tours, cocoa museums, festivals, and processing demonstrations.

The Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Dominic Gyasi, in his address, expressed gratitude to all partners and stakeholders for supporting the vision to brand Sefwi Wiawso as the Cocoa City of Ghana.

He emphasized that cocoa remains the lifeblood of the Sefwi people and a source of national pride.

“This project is not just a celebration, but a renewal of our commitment to protect our heritage, empower our farmers, and showcase our culture to the world.”

Hon. Gyasi called on farmers, entrepreneurs, youth, and women’s groups to take advantage of the opportunities the Cocoa City Experience offers in agro-processing, tourism, and creative industries.

He also appealed for support from corporate bodies and government agencies to invest in the initiative to make Sefwi Wiawso a true destination of choice.