Cocoa is undoubtedly one of Ghana’s prized commodities, contributing significantly to its exports.

History shows that Basel missionaries introduced the crop into Ghana after the Dutch attempted to plant it in the coastal areas of the then Gold Coast.

However, none of these missionaries managed to establish a thriving farm that continues to yield fruit for Ghana many years later.

Tetteh Quarshie succeeded where they did not, bringing cocoa from his journeys in Fernando Po (now Equatorial Guinea). Fourteen decades on, Ghana is still reaping the benefits of his bravery and toil.

Interestingly, not only did he start a farm at age 34 in Mampong, but he also forged his own tools through his blacksmithing work, which he used to maintain his farm.

Today, the farm remains in good shape and continues to produce bags of cocoa for the country.

This edition of People and Places brings to light all the facts about Tetteh Quarshie that have been misconstrued over the years.

We delve into the story of a Ghanaian legend whose bravery brought Ghana one of its most cherished commodities: cocoa.

Watch the video interview below: