So close, yet so far away.
The visit to the Coco Research Institute of Ghana CRIG was refreshing after reliving the slave trade at the Slave Castles and the Slave River. It was a mixed feeling of anger, hatred, pain, anguish, sadness, hope, determination, forgiveness, joy… Just indescribable!
The Door of No Return at the Elmina Castle, Cape Coast
Then the research station – a symbol of restoration. So refreshing. The ornamental plant by the missionaries became money when Tetteh Quarshie returned with a different mindset to turn it around into a plantation farm.
Today all we know is “chocolate day” on Valentines Day. I think we have to look at cocoa differently now and make it something that can be found in any home at anytime. Thank you, Mr. Cocoa! We will join the revolution and the crusade!
Michael Owusu Manu, aka “Mr. Cocoa” and director of the Cocoa Research Institute, taking the cohort on a tour of the Institute.
Like entering back through the Door of Return, this program has been a return to Ghana for me.
Freda looking into the cocoa bean fermentation bins at the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana
– FREDA QUAO