Tetteh Quarshie: All about the man whose 140-year-old farms still makes Ghana rich
- Tetteh Quarshie was a Ghanaian agriculturalist and the person directly responsible for the introduction of cocoa crops to Ghana
- 140 years after planting the first cocoa bean in Ghana, the country is still benefiting from Tetteh Quarshie’s bravery and hard work
- As Valentine's, now themed 'Chocolate Day' approaches, YEN.com.gh takes a look at the historical event of one of Ghana's most important commodities
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In less than 96 days, many across the country will be marking Valentine’s Day, now themed ‘Chocolate Day’ as they celebrate loved-up moments with their romantic partners.
'Chocolate Day' has become synonymous to Valentine’s Day with many sending gifts and chocolate products to their love ones as expressions of love.
As many prepare to observe Chocolate Day on February 14, 2020, YEN.com.gh rolls the wheels of time back to refresh memories about the true history behind the establishment of cocoa cultivation in Ghana.
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Cocoa is one of Ghana’s valuable commodities in the world today and the product contributes enormously to the country’s exports.
Records available details that Basel missionaries introduced the crop into Ghana after the Dutch attempted planting in the coastal areas of Gold Coast, now present-day Ghana.
None of these missionaries were able to establish a growing farm that continues to benefit Ghana years after.
However, Ghana’s Tetteh Quarshie successfully returned to the country with several cocoa beans from Fernando Po, now Equatorial Guinea and made history.
140 years after planting the first bean in Ghana, the country is still benefiting from Tetteh Quarshie’s bravery and hard work.
Beyond starting a farm at age 34 in Mampong, he also developed his own tools through his blacksmiths' work which he used to maintain his farm.
Tetteh Quarshie’s farm is still in good shape and is producing bags of cocoa for the country.
Watch the full interview here:
In other stories, YEN.com.gh reported earlier reported about Angelina Akua Nana Oduro, a Ghanaian former 90's model whose iconic 'Akwaaba' photo has become a national asset symbolising Ghana's hospitality globally.
Angelina Akua Nana Oduro's image was taken in 1993 and has since become a household name over two decades ago, featuring on calendars, posters, hotels and in the homes of some prominent Ghanaians including presidents.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
