From Cocoa to Career: ChocolArt Haus Creates Jobs in Ghana
Pearl Kitcher is the founder of ChocolArt Haus, a growing artisanal chocolate business in Ghana. Her vision is clear: transform Ghana’s underused cocoa potential into handcrafted chocolate products – and in doing so, create jobs, reduce waste, and empower her community.
With Ghana being the second-largest cocoa exporter in the world, Pearl was frustrated that most of the country’s cocoa is exported raw or semi-processed.
“These products are exported to the Western countries, processed into quality chocolate and then brought back into the country for consumers to buy. Meanwhile, producing quality chocolate products in the country has the potential to create jobs for youthful people locally,” she explains.
What began as a personal motivation to make an impact evolved into a clear business idea. But turning that idea into reality wasn’t easy. Pearl lacked a proper production space. Equipment was expensive. And getting access to funding was challenging. With a grant of 725 EUR from her diaspora donor Eric Agyeman-Duah and twice the amount from WIDU, Pearl was able to introduce handmade chocolate bars into her business.
Funding the Future: How Support Turned a Sweet Dream Into a Strong Business
With the Original WIDU Grant Pearl wants to set up a commercial kitchenette with a marble worktop, install a water tank and sink, buy production materials, and create a branded backdrop. This new space doesn’t just serve as a chocolate kitchen – it’s a hub for learning and future growth.
“The support of WIDU and my diaspora donor helped in making Chocolart Haus production hub a tangible and visible reality. Now, there is a comfortable space where the business can expand its production needs and the space presents the opportunity to train other young people in the community in chocolate-making,” says Pearl.
Today, ChocolArt Haus has already created three jobs, two of them for women. The small but committed team includes assistants for production, packaging, and sales — currently part-time, but with the goal of transitioning to full-time roles as demand increases.
Looking Ahead: A Sweeter Future Built at Home
Beyond job creation, the business will launch a 'Visit Ghana’ initiative, featuring forgotten or lesser-known tourist sites on its chocolate packaging – promoting local culture while adding a unique storytelling element to the products. Every bar of chocolate tells a story – not just about taste, but about place. With products like chocolate truffles, coated cookies, artisanal bars, and even chocolate fountains, Pearl’s business is building a reputation, especially among young professionals and families in Ghana.
Pearl’s dream is to see ChocolArt Haus grow into a recognized name for quality Ghanaian chocolate – not only as a product, but as a movement that celebrates local resources and people. The production hub on her porch may be modest, but it represents a powerful beginning. The entrepreneur hopes to inspire others, particularly young people, to realize they can create something meaningful right here with the resources available. With WIDU’s support Pearl is doing just that – one chocolate bar at a time.
