The Ghanaian Minaret

Accra: Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, on Friday donated 40 metric tonnes of premier Ghana-made chocolate and cocoa-based products to the people of Palestine.

The gesture was to extend a humanitarian hand to the people of Palestine, especially those in Gaza, who since October 2023 have been bombed, starved, and displaced multiple times.

“The images and stories emerging from the conflict zones, particularly the suffering of innocent civilians, especially women and children, are heartbreaking. They are a painful reminder that behind every headline and every statistic, there are human lives, people who long for peace, dignity, and hope,” he said during a presentation at the Jubilee House, the seat of government.

He indicated that the donation was symbolic, as cocoa remained one of Ghana’s most treasured natural commodities.

“It represents a significant source of economic livelihood for millions of Ghanaian farmers and families and embodies our national values of resilience, warmth, and generosity,” he said.

Speaking on the health benefits of cocoa, the president said cocoa was a powerful superfood rich in antioxidants and vitamins and supports the immune system.

“It promotes cardiovascular health and enhances brain function and emotional well-being. It is also a natural energy booster and a vital source of essential minerals, particularly from iron and magnesium, which are crucial for women’s and children’s health,” he added.

The gesture also goes a long way to affirm the country’s solidarity and a strong stance against the oppression and injustice suffered by Palestinians under decades of occupation.

“We sincerely hope that these cocoa products will provide comfort, nourishment, and a tangible expression of our solidarity to the families facing an unimaginable hardship,” the president said.

The president expressed his appreciation to the Palestinian community for their contribution to national development, which includes building ultra-modern classroom blocks in underserved communities.

He presented the truck-loaded items to the ambassador of the State of Palestine to Ghana, Abdul Fatah Ahmed Khalil Al Sattari.

Al Sattari was accompanied by some members of the diplomatic Corp and representatives of the Palestinian community in Ghana.

In his remarks, the ambassador expressed his gratitude to the Ghanaian people for the support and praised the country for chartering a path of justice and international law.

“All of us know that in Gaza there is starvation and genocide against all my people and Ghana has all the time been by the side of Justice and human rights and international law. Ghana has been generous with the Palestinian people,” he said.