COCOBOD has teamed up with GAAS to undertake research on the use of cocoa in the treatment of life-threatening infections.
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) is working with certain colleagues of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS) to undertake research into cocoa components that may help with the treatment of various life-threatening illnesses and metabolic disorders across the world.
The study is part of COCOBOD’s effort to extend cocoa’s use outside the confectionery and cosmetics sectors, thus increasing the worldwide cocoa market.
The parties recognized the necessity for further investigations into the health characteristics of cocoa during the first meeting between COCOBOD management, GAAS President, and the Fellows participating in the study. The cooperation was warmly welcomed by the Academy’s President, Emeritus Prof. Samuel Kofi Sefa-Dedeh.
Joseph Boahen Aidoo, COCOBOD’s Chief Executive, highlighted why any claim regarding cocoa’s health benefits must be backed up by scientific evidence.
“You cannot just go out there and say that cocoa has health and nutritional benefits when there is no solid scientific basis or backing for what you are saying,” he said, adding that “you cannot just go out there and say that cocoa has health and nutritional benefits when there is no solid scientific basis or backing for what you are saying.” However, if your claim is backed up by solid scientific evidence, the rest of the world will believe it as well.”
COCOBOD, he said, considers it critical to develop a long-term working partnership with the EPA.
“We must assist the scientific community in delving further into the nutritional and health advantages of cocoa, and then utilize those benefits to encourage cocoa use, not only in Ghana or the sub-region, but globally.”
He believes that if cocoa is valued for more than only its use in the confectionery and beauty sectors, but also for its nutritional and health benefits, it may help control certain life-threatening viral and metabolic disorders.
“I’m delighted that our own scientists are promoting and driving this innovative collaborative approach here in Ghana. We’re delighted to be a part of it.”
COCOBOD, Mr. Aidoo promised, would play its part in ensuring that the cooperation produces sufficient findings that can bear scientific examination.
On his part, GAAS President Emeritus Prof. Samuel Kofi Sefa-Dedeh said he agreed wholeheartedly with Hon Aidoo’s comments on the need of a well-grounded partnership between industry and science to allow the conduct of research and development (R&D) to drive innovation.
He went on to say that such cooperation is critical in overcoming obstacles that stymie Ghana’s development toward industrialization and economic growth.
He also suggested that the partners create timetables and rules to govern the project’s implementation.
Finally, the President reaffirmed GAAS’ commitment to see that this project is completed to the best of its ability, bringing much needed respite to our people.
Source: CITIBUSINESSNEWS
