Some gifts shops and supermarkets in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis on Friday experienced shortage of chocolate, due to the high demand for the product during the Valentine Day celebration, a survey conducted by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) revealed.
At the U 84 Supermarket at the Takoradi Market Circle, Mr. Prince Ansah, the managing director, told the GNA that the Supermarket had ran out of chocolate because the patronage was high.
He said the Supermarket had about fifty cartons in stock, but these were all bought by customers before the Valentine Day.
Mr. Ansah said he did not anticipate such a high demand for chocolate, adding that patronage of wine and other items at the shop was low, as compared to that of the chocolate.
Madam Dorcas Amu, owner of Seasons Gift Shop, also revealed that there was shortage of chocolate at her shop because Cocoa Board had vacated its depot at the Adom House to an unknown place, so traders could not locate the new premises to purchase chocolate.
Madam Amu said patronage of other items was goody as compared to the previous year, adding that parents and married couples were the highest buyers this season, as compared to last year when students dominated the market.
Madam Mary Celestina, who owns a shop said although her shop was not selling made in Ghana Chocolate, consumers who passed by insisted on buying those made in Ghana.
Some people the GNA team spoke to, explained that the essence of the Valentine’s Day was to show love to all, and not only to loved ones, but also the poor, children and strangers. They said that because the day had been made a National chocolate day, many people expected chocolate as gifts.
They contended that this new innovation would curtail social vices, promote Ghanaian products and also save people from wasting their money on expensive gifts.