CRIG INAUGURATES COCOA CLUB

Date: 25th March 2024

The Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) has inaugurated the maiden Cocoa Club in Ghana at the CRIG Primary School in New Tafo-Akim, to connect the pupils to cocoa from bean to bar and promote the consumption of cocoa products among the youth.

As part of activities for the launch, the pupils recited historical information of cocoa from 1815 to date dubbed: "Cocoa through the Wheel of Time",  as club members gave information of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) linked to cocoa.

Speaking at the launch, The Executive Director of CRIG, Dr. Francis Padi, stressed the importance of cocoa to youth development and urged stakeholders in the cocoa industry to join the mission of the cocoa club project to encourage the younger generation to develop interests in career opportunities in the cocoa sector and agribusiness professions and promote the consumption of cocoa in Ghana and beyond.

Dr Padi reiterated that the Cocoa Club, by connecting the youth with cocoa from bean to bar will shape and develop their knowledge in cocoa and research activities. He thanked companies in the cocoa fraternity who supported the successful execution of the programme.

The Patron of the Cocoa Club and Deputy Director & Head of the Social Science and Statistics Unit, CRIG, Mr. Michael Owusu-Manu, reiterated that the Club is a fun-based educational outreach programme which provides first-hand knowledge about the history and activities of the cocoa industry.  

“Cocoa has been the backbone of the Ghanaian economy, holding over two million people who are directly or indirectly employed in the sector and it was time to unveil and spread cocoa education through the club into schools”, he said.

Mr Owusu-Manu stated that sometime between October and November last year, about 260 students from CRIPS and CRIG M/A JHS were given the necessary historical background on cocoa and taken through experimental farms, fementry and the flavour chocolate laboratory to connect with cocoa bean to bar.  He added that the club is indebted to the sponsors, the District Chief, and others partners for their immense contribution to letting the project see the light of day.

Madam Abena Gyamera, the Director of Ghana Education Service (GES) for Abuakwa North, expressed her delight regarding the establishment of the first cocoa club in her municipality. She encouraged young individuals to learn more about the cocoa industry in Ghana.

The Sponsors of the event included, CRIG, Plot Ghana Limited, Cocoa Processing Company, Nyonkopa Ghana, Barry Callebaut, Kuapa Kokoo Ltd., Bioko, Chocomac Ghana Limited, among others. 

By Geoffrey Opoku-Darko

Public Affairs - Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana