Visit Ohene Cocoa Farms, a start-up agribusiness located in Oworam, Asamankese in the Eastern Region of Ghana (GPS address EW 09914923). It is located only 45 minutes, with a fairly good access road from Accra. It is a relatively unruffled area of outstanding natural beauty, interspersed with diverse natural features, scenery, and ecosystems. Oworam is a moist, pristine evergreen forest zone. The terrain is gently undulating, and the climate is cool and tropical, making for serene, verdant surroundings.

Founded by Nana Aduna II (Dr. Yao Mfodwo), Ohene Cocoa Farms are havens of rare botanical depth, with tall shade trees of up to 65m tall, planted to buffer the cocoa plants from the scorching sun and enrich the soil. It is a wealth of stunning natural greenery, creating the ideal setting for the cultivation of Ghana’s most treasured resource.

Cocoa has been a dominant feature of Ghana for a very long time. In the epoch of the Gold Coast, cocoa, (Theobrama Cacao, literally meaning ‘food for the Gods’) was brought in from the Americas, but it was in the mid 1800’s that the Basel Missionaries successfully cultivated cocoa in Akropong-Akuapem, Ghana. Tetteh Quarshie, an apprentice at the then Basel Mission returned from Fernando Po (now Bioko) with some cocoa beans and planted them on his farm in Mampong Akuapem. He is formally credited with the commencement of commercial cocoa cultivation in Ghana and The Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa tour currently features on Ghana’s tourism itinerary.

Cocoa has predominantly been an export crop with the consumption rate in Ghana being at a dismal 0.5kg per household (as compared to an average of 7kg in most European countries) in spite of its numerous ‘godly’ benefits. The global cocoa value chain is worth over USD100 billion, yet Ivory Coast and Ghana – which produce over 60% of world supply of cocoa beans – earn only around USD$5 billion from cocoa.

There is so much more to cocoa than just growing beans for export. Beyond processing bean to bar chocolate, there could be other products such as cocoa drinks, cocoa soaps, cosmetic formulations, anti- aging cosmetics, etc. Other benefits include cocoa ecotourism, nutritional and medical benefits, cocoa ceremonies etc. Looking at and learning from the successful experiences of Claudio Coralio in São Tomé and Principe and others in Ecuador and other countries across the equator, cocoa eco-tourism has huge potential and offers unlimited opportunities.

In May 2018, Ohene Cocoa Farms introduced its Cocoa-Eco-Tours alongside producing other cocoa by products (cocoa nibs, cocoa crunch etc.) and have hosted a few stimulating and successful cocoa tours These include a tour of 40 participants of the Miss Heritage Global Beauty Pageant in 2019, followed shortly after by a tour for the participants of the Accra Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Fair organised by the Ministry of Finance.

Realizing that there was a knowledge gap in cocoa, a Know Your Cocoa (KYC) Foundation was formed to develop the Eco-Tourism potential of the Ohene Cocoa farms and to organize the 1st African Cocoa and Chocolate Expo (ACCE).

As one of the main sponsors of the ACCE, the Ghana Tourism Authority in October 2019, formally launched Cocoa Eco-Tourism during the 1st ACCE. The countless uses of cocoa beyond chocolate point to the abundant Cultural Tourism experience available at the farms. Inextricably linked to the places, traditions and celebrations of Ghana and its people, through cocoa, both domestic and foreign visitors are able to develop a wider and more appreciative view of the unique cultural context.

Established in 1922 by the Akyeamehene of Akuapem at the time, Nana Kofi Yirenkyi, the current owner, Nana Aduna II, began the process of cocoa rehabilitation in 2004.
Nearly 82 acres in size, and populated with healthy, productive trees producing cocoa and more, the farms are a vibrant, rural expanse. The Surum Stream originating in the nearby hills runs along the boundary of the farms, and is supplemented by underground water sources, resulting in a soothing spring throughout the farmlands.

Ghana’s rich and varied history lends itself to the farms’ provision of a unique and rich tourism and educational experience. Cocoa’s repute as an age-old agricultural ‘powerhouse’ presents opportunities of Historical and Heritage Tourism. In a presentation of the origin and development of cocoa in Ghana lies an authentic representation of the people and resources of the nation – past, present and future.

Accordingly, opportunities of Recreational and Educational Tourism go hand in hand. Presenting the space and information for tourists to educate themselves about the ecological aspects of cocoa in Ghana, the farms provide an alluring and dynamic natural landscape of hilly terrains, bamboo groves and streams of fresh water that enliven the learning experience, enabling a thrilling Adventure Tourism experience.

A redefinition of eco-tourism is imminent – one which captures the therapeutic, educational, and culturally fulfilling aspects of naturally endowed sites across a nation, which simultaneously, as a fruitful instrument of tourism, can increase national revenue, create employment, combat poverty and empower the people.

Ohene Cocoa Farms aim to bring a wealth of experience into the tourism program. With an emphasis on cocoa, Management of the farms intends to elevate the formal tour package, by recreating, re-designing and re-engaging with sustainable eco-tourism, thereby presenting an experience of edification, natural serenity and cultural appreciation to the inquisitive tourist.

Some features of the tours are Cocoa Tours and Trails & Hikes. Visitors can also relax or host events by the Bamboo Grove, have open air events, photo shoots, etc. enjoy cultural experiences - poetry and storytelling around traditional folklore, full or mini durbars and attendance of local traditional elders and royalty. A litter of snack spots along the trails serving an array of freshly harvested fruits from the farms will not be missed. One can also shop at the Mini Farm Shop for cocoa beverages and snacks and make one's own cocoa product at the ‘Have a Go’ area.

Ohene Cocoa Farms are set to be the pace setters in global Cocoa Ecotourism by becoming a vehicle to the full restoration of the original royalty, dignity, and wealth to the Cocoa Farmers in Ghana. Their mission is to develop a sustainable, world-class eco-tourist attraction centred on farming and processing of cocoa as a primary resource of Ghana, and to generate viable, long term revenue streams by creating employment and wealth, whilst securing the livelihood of future generations.