Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm

Ecomuseum of Cocoa

I bet you love chocolate? Well, Ghana produces the best and tasty chocolate. Want to know where it started, Tetteh Quarshie cocoa farm is the name. The history of Ghana is incomplete without mentioning the historical Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm.

Globally recognized as a mega producer of cocoa, the country's cocoa industry began with this farm located at the Akwapim-Mampong in the Eastern Region of Ghana, 58 km away from the capital city, Accra. Let’s call it the "genesis" of Ghana's cocoa industry. Equally known as the Ecomuseum of Cocoa, the farm was named after its founder Tetteh Quarshie, a Ghanaian farmer who brought cocoa seeds into the country in 1979 from Bioko, Equatorial Guinea. As the genesis of Ghana's cocoa industry, it portrays a sense of historical, cultural and economic significance since the country is widely known as one of the largest producers of cocoa. The country produces high quality cocoa with its various uses such as Food, Pharmaceutical, Cosmetics and also utilised in the production of traditional medicines. The farm welcomes thousands of visitors from within Ghana and around the world every year due to its significance as a tourist destination.

History of the place

The history of Ghana's cocoa began with the travel journey of a Ghanaian farmer by name Tetteh Quarshie (1842-1892) to Bioko formerly known as Fernando Po in Equatorial Guinea in 1870. From his return to his motherland in 1876, the farmer brought in cocoa seeds. At that moment the crop was officially introduced into the country. Tetteh Quarshie decided to plant cocoa seeds and established a cocoa farm in 1879 in Akuapim-Mampong 58 km away from Accra. Presently managed by the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana; A research institute that was established after Ghana became independent and exited from the West Africa Cocoa Research Institute. There remain three trees planted by Tetteh Quarshie in the farm. The farm which was declared a national monument in 1986 also serves as a research centre for cocoa.

Exploring Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm

The Farm is undoubtedly a must go destination if you want to immerse yourself with the rich culture of Ghana. From sightseeing the first cocoa trees planted by Tetteh Quarshie to exploring the beauty of Ghana's first cocoa farm. Since it also harbours the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), it is an opportunity to enrich yourself with cocoa research by professionals in the field of agriculture. Visiting the farm could help you understand how farming shapes the economy of Ghana and also learn the farming practices of the Ghanaian community. Visiting the farm is incomplete without touring its historical cocoa museum which portrays Ghana's cocoa history, the monument commemorating Tetteh Quarshie's contribution to the cocoa industry, a farmhouse showcasing Tetteh Quarshie's living quarters and the genesis of cocoa trees. What are you waiting for? Get ready to taste the best of Ghana's cocoa.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

You will miss a lot if you end your journey at the Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa farm. The surrounding region is full of beautiful and exciting historical sites that will make your journey a memorable one.

• Aburi Botanical Garden : You cannot visit the Eastern Region of Ghana without experiencing the tranquil environment and sight of over 100 years trees. The garden is the ideal location for any type of picnic.
• Boti falls : This is a twin waterfall identified as male and female located in the region precisely at Boti in the Yilo Krobo district. According to Ghanaian myth, when these waterfalls are merged, a beautiful rainbow is formed.

Planning Your Trip

Thinking of how to get to the farm? Do you need some travel tips? Do not worry, we've got you covered. There are various means of transportation as the farm is 58 km away from the capital city Accra. In order to save money, it is advisable to go by bus though taxis are friendly and affordable as well. Get to the right bus station and commence your trip. Popular bus stations in Accra are Madina and circle. At these locations you are assured to get buses heading your destination. As your way of dressing for a great part in the culture of Ghana, it is advisable to dress modestly to avoid backlash. Ghanaians are well known for not exposing their body parts. Make sure you respect traditions at all cost for the Ghanaian community is full of norms and traditions. Have enough money on you, the community is full of beautiful things which will catch your attention. On your arrival at the farm, you will be welcomed and guided by professional tour guides who are well vested with knowledge of cocoa and the farm.

Using your left hand is a sign of disrespect and make sure to always ask permission before taking pictures and videos. You are advised to drink only filtered water (bottled or sachet water) and bring mosquito repellent because Ghana has a lot of mosquitoes and Akuapim-Mampong is no exception.

The best time to visit is during the dry season (November-December) to prevent your journey from been disrupted by rains. This will also give you a clear view of the roads. In terms of accommodation, there are very welcoming hotels such as Hillburi hotel and the Peduase Valley Resort which provide a good stay and enjoy the most appetising local and foreign dishes.