NORTH AMERICAN TEAM OF EDUCATORS TOURS CRIG

Date: 30th August 2023

A group of schoolteachers from North America has visited the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) to familiarize themselves with the history and research activities of the institute. 

The visit was organized by the Witness Tree Institute of Ghana; a non-profit organization created to engage educators in a multidisciplinary learning exposure to Ghanaian culture, economy, history and education. It provides an authentic experience for teachers from Ghana and North America to develop skills, perspectives and thinking habits that enrich their institutions and communities and provide opportunities for innovation and experimentation.   

The schoolteachers, numbering thirty (30), from the U.S.A, Canada, Jamaica and Ghana toured some heritage sites across the country, including the Cape Coast and Elmina castles, Assin Manso, the W.EB. DuBois centre, Kumasi traditional court music and dance, University of Ghana, Legon and CRIG. 

Receiving the tourists at the CRIG clubhouse, The Deputy Director and Head of the Social Science and Statistics Unit of CRIG, Mr. Michael Owusu-Manu gave a detailed report of the Institute’s quality research and innovation which has contributed immensely to increased productivity and sustainability of the industry.gave a detailed report of the Institute’s quality research and innovation which has contributed immensely to increased productivity and sustainability of the industry. 

Mr. Owusu-Manu reiterated that the cocoa industry is the backbone of Ghana‘s economy which employs approximately 800,000 farm families and supports the livelihood of around 4 million people and over 67% of household income.  

He took the opportunity to extend an invitation to prospective investors, encouraging strategic partnerships which will safeguard sustainable cocoa production and boost the economy. 

A Public Affairs Officer at CRIG, Mr. Geoffrey Opoku-Darko who guided the group on the familiarization tour, presented them first-hand information on some research activities and products of CRIG including, Cocoa Wine, Cocoa Brandy, Cocoa Jam, Cocoa Butter Body Pomade, Cocoa Butter Soap, among others.  

Mr. Opoku-Darko urged the schoolteachers to inculcate the habit of consuming cocoa into their students in view of its nutritional and health benefits as it will improve their cognitive acumen and provide energy and vitality. 

After the presentation, the delegation was taken on a tour of CRIG facilities, including the Fine Flavour research laboratory, the CSSVD museum, the fermentry, the dam site and some experimental farms.  

Speaking after the tour, the Director of Witness Tree Institute of Ghana, Tete Cobblah expressed appreciation for the innovative research by CRIG and Ghana Cocoa Board in supporting cocoa farmers in Ghana and helping the country uphold its position as the world’s best exporter of premium quality cocoa.