Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana in Akyem Kukurantumi, Ghana

Founded by the British Colonial government in 1938 to combat diseases and pest affecting the cocoa production of the Gold Coast, this institute has blossomed into a high powered research facility for all things cocoa. After Ghana gained independence in 1957, the institute was renamed the Cocoa Research institute of Ghana (CRIG).

Ghana produces some of the best cacao beans in the world and the institute is designed to support the farmers who grow this valuable crop. With various departments from entomology to new product development, CRIG works to make cocoa farming as sustainable and profitable as possible for Ghanaian farmers. 

Contact the public affairs office ahead of time to arrange a tour of the compound. The tour guides are highly knowledgeable and flexible so if you are interested in seeing something specific in the compound make sure to let them know. Observe the cocoa disease 'museum' where you can see infected cocoa plants, learn about the fermentation and drying processes, and go to the cocoa plantations where your guide can hopefully let you try fresh cocoa fruit right off the tree, just make sure to spit out the beans!