History of the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana

ABSTRACT

The cocoa industry became the mainstay of Ghana’s economy since its introduction in the country in the late 19th century. The industry spread quickly from its original base at Akuapem through Akim to many parts of the country making Ghana the leading producer of cocoa by 1910. However, the industry was faced with a near collapse in the 1930s due to the emergence of the deadly swollen shoot disease that was fast destroying many farms. This compelled the colonial administration to establish the Central Research Station at Akim Tafo which later became the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG).

They were mandated to deal with the situation and study to provide innovative ways of cultivating the crop in order to increase production. Research activities at the station in containing the situation whip up farmers interest in the industry in many ways. For example scientific measures were employed in reducing the maturation and fruition period of the original Amelonado Cocoa from seven to three years through hybridization.  This research therefore focused on changing the narrative of placing high land, labour and cocoa pricing as responsible for increase in production to the innovative strategies introduced by the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) through their research activities to make Ghana’s cocoa industry vibrant.