Global plant-based oils and fats company AAK has launched its inaugural AAK Academy™ in Ghana, in partnership with the Embassy of Denmark in Ghana, to strengthen innovation, technical expertise and value addition across the country’s food and personal care industries.
The initiative, launched in Accra under the theme “Inspiration in Chocolate and Confectionery Production,” forms part of AAK’s broader strategy to deepen collaboration within Ghana’s agro-processing sector. It also aligns with commitments under a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in January 2026, aimed at advancing Ghana’s shea value chain and boosting industrial transformation.
Established in Denmark in 2007, the AAK Academy™ serves as the company’s flagship knowledge-sharing and innovation platform. Its expansion into Ghana is designed to equip local manufacturers with technical know-how, market insights and product development skills to improve competitiveness in both regional and international markets.
The launch event brought together stakeholders from key institutions, including the Tree Crops Development Authority, Ghana Export Promotion Authority, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and the European Union Delegation to Ghana, alongside industry players and diplomatic partners.
Vice President and Head of AAK West Africa, Lasse Skaksen, said the Academy is aimed at unlocking Ghana’s potential in chocolate and confectionery production through stronger collaboration and knowledge transfer.
“We see tremendous potential within Ghana’s chocolate and confectionery industry. Unlocking that potential requires stronger collaboration, access to technical expertise, global market insights and partnerships that support local ambition and growth,” he said.
The Ambassador of Denmark to Ghana, Jakob Linulf, described the initiative as a reflection of the strong partnership between Ghana and Denmark, particularly in agriculture and food systems development. He stressed the importance of value addition and job creation within Ghana rather than reliance on raw material exports.
Representing the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, commended AAK for supporting Ghana’s agricultural transformation agenda.
The first pilot session of the AAK Academy™ held on June 3 brought together 25 local manufacturers and industry stakeholders. The technical training focused on the role of oils and fats in chocolate production, emerging global consumer trends, and opportunities for product innovation and sustainable value creation.
Chocolate has been selected as the entry point for the pilot due to its strong link to Ghana’s cocoa economy and its significant potential for value addition.
The Academy is expected to expand beyond chocolate and confectionery into bakery, dairy, cosmetics and personal care applications, positioning itself as a long-term platform for industrial collaboration and technical development in Ghana.
AAK says the initiative reflects its long-standing commitment to sustainable value creation and partnership in Ghana’s shea and agro-processing sectors.
