Meet the Sisters Changing the Narrative round Chocolate in Ghana Nasha Smith
the natural resource, the cocoa grown here, to create a high quality chocolate product that would be available globally, and locally, as well.” The result is ’57 Chocolate, an artisanal bean to bar chocolate business based in Accra, Ghana. The name is a nod to the country’s independence as well as the revolutionary spirit of the people. The beans are sourced from local farmers. All the confections are free of artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives and retain the integrity of the cocoa. In addition to their signature chocolate bars, ’57 Chocolate also produces both dark and milk chocolate chips as well as bite-sized Adinkra bars featuring engraved symbols originally created by the Ashanti of Ghana. Priscilla is partial to milk chocolate with almonds and sea salt, but dabbles in their moringa chocolate with toasted coconut when she craves something “a little bit earthy and peppery.” Kimberly’s tastes vary depending on her mood. 15
July-August 2021
She prefers a dark chocolate post-dinner or mocha latte coffee-flavored bar in the mornings. The company has retailers in France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and certain locations in the United States including New York and Texas. But the process hasn’t been without its challenges. The two grew up in Senegal, were partly educated in the US and spent many years living in Switzerland. Before moving to Ghana in 2014, they visited once a year or every couple of years with their paraents. They needed to adjust to a new dynamic. “One of the major challenges was just understanding the business environment in Ghana, learning the ropes, speaking to people and understanding how systems work,” said Priscilla. “Another thing would be electricity. When we see page 16
DAWN
www.africabusinessassociation.org