This paper aims at examining the mythical figure Quarshie and its interpretation. How have the narratives about the beginnings of cocoa cultivation in the Gold Coast changed throughout the 20th century and how was Tetteh Quarshie constructed as an enduring national "lieu de mémoire" that has continued to trigger fascination within the Ghanaian society? This paper will try to give an answer to this question.
The paper proceeds in three steps: Firstly, it presents the introduction of cocoa into the Gold Coast in order to enlighten this complex process marked by a few different actors, among these prominently stands Quarshie. Different sources as well as assessments in the later literature are analysed in this context.
The second chapter deals with the evolution and structures of the ensuing cocoa boom in Ghana that, despite temporal declines, still continues today. As many historians have underscored, cocoa cultivation was successfully performed by local smallholder farmers largely independent from British influence – as a consequence, the construction of Quarshie as a "lieu de mémoire" further accentuates the indigenous and emancipatory character of the Ghanaian cocoa industry.
In a third step, the commemorative culture about the beginnings of cocoa cultivation in the Gold Coast is retraced, from earlier diverging interpretations to the incremental exaltation of Quarshie. Both theoretical literature on commemoration culture and topical Ghanaian newspaper articles are thereby used. In fact, the current project of the Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Museum proves that cocoa and its history remain at the core of the Ghanaian self-image – and that Quarshie’s name seems indispensable in this regard.
It is thus high time to track down this highly questionable narrative of the cocoa introduction in the Gold Coast, which has not been done yet in detail. In addition, a goal on the theoretical meta-level of the paper is to underline the merits of the "lieux de mémoire"-approach, particularly in the (West) African context where this has not yet been widely applied.
Table of Contents
- 1. The Advent - The Complex Introduction of Cocoa into the Gold Coast
- 1.1. The Columbian Exchange of Cocoa
- 1.2. The Atlantic Islands as Springboards of Cocoa to West Africa
- 1.3. The Different Actors in the Introduction of Cocoa into the Gold Coast
- 1.3.1. The Early Attempts: European traders and missionaries
- 1.3.2. Tetteh Quarshie
- 1.3.3. Governor Sir William Griffith and the Aburi Botanical Gardens
- 2. The Boom - The "Smallholder Crop" Becomes the "Golden Pod" for Ghana
- 2.1. The Take-Off of Cocoa in the Gold Coast: 1891-1911
- 2.2. The Boom and the Relative Decline from the Mid-1960s
- 2.3. The Economic Structures of the Ghanaian Cocoa Industry
- 3. The Memory - The Glorification of Tetteh Quarshie
- 3.1. The Importance of Cocoa for Ghana's Economy and Culture
- 3.2. Diverging Narratives about the Pioneer(s) of Cocoa Introduction into the Gold Coast
- 3.3. Tetteh Quarshie's Ascension to a Ghanaian lieu de mémoire
- 3.4. The Current Project of the Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Museum
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to examine the mythical figure of Tetteh Quarshie and its interpretation, answering the question: How have narratives about the beginnings of cocoa cultivation in the Gold Coast changed throughout the 20th century, and how was Tetteh Quarshie constructed as an enduring national lieu de mémoire?
- The complex introduction of cocoa into the Gold Coast, involving various actors beyond Quarshie.
- The economic boom spurred by cocoa cultivation in Ghana and its lasting impact.
- The evolution of narratives surrounding the introduction of cocoa, highlighting the diverging interpretations and the eventual glorification of Quarshie.
- The role of Tetteh Quarshie as a lieu de mémoire in shaping Ghanaian national identity.
- The application of the lieux de mémoire approach in the West African context.
Chapter Summaries
1. The Advent – The Complex Introduction of Cocoa into the Gold Coast: This chapter explores the multifaceted introduction of cocoa to the Gold Coast, tracing its journey from its origins in Mesoamerica through the Columbian Exchange and its arrival in West Africa. It details the involvement of various actors, from European traders and missionaries to Tetteh Quarshie, highlighting the complexities and inconsistencies surrounding the process. The chapter emphasizes that the introduction wasn't a singular event but a prolonged and intricate process with multiple contributors, challenging the singular narrative often associated with Quarshie.
2. The Boom - The "Smallholder Crop" Becomes the "Golden Pod" for Ghana: This chapter examines the economic impact of cocoa cultivation in Ghana, detailing the rapid expansion of the industry from its beginnings in 1891 to its peak as the world's largest exporter by 1911. It analyzes the economic structures of the Ghanaian cocoa industry, focusing on the role of smallholder farmers and the relative independence from British influence. The chapter explores the economic significance of cocoa to Ghana and the subsequent periods of boom and relative decline.
3. The Memory - The Glorification of Tetteh Quarshie: This chapter traces the development of the commemorative culture surrounding the introduction of cocoa to the Gold Coast. It examines the evolution of narratives, noting the early diverging interpretations of the pioneers and the subsequent rise of Tetteh Quarshie as the central figure. The chapter analyzes how Quarshie became a significant lieu de mémoire, illustrated by his presence on currency and the naming of various institutions in his honor. It explores the ongoing significance of cocoa and its history in shaping Ghanaian national identity, culminating in the planned Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Museum project.
Keywords
Tetteh Quarshie, cocoa, Gold Coast, Ghana, lieux de mémoire, collective memory, Columbian Exchange, colonial agriculture, economic history, national identity, commemorative culture, smallholder farming, Ghanaian history.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Study of Cocoa Introduction in Ghana and the Myth of Tetteh Quarshie
What is the main focus of this study?
This study examines the mythical figure of Tetteh Quarshie and how narratives surrounding the introduction of cocoa cultivation in the Gold Coast (modern-day Ghana) have evolved throughout the 20th century. It investigates how Quarshie was constructed as an enduring national lieu de mémoire (place of memory).
What are the key themes explored in the study?
The study explores the complex introduction of cocoa to the Gold Coast, involving various actors beyond Quarshie; the economic boom spurred by cocoa cultivation and its lasting impact on Ghana; the evolution of narratives surrounding cocoa's introduction, highlighting diverging interpretations and Quarshie's eventual glorification; Quarshie's role as a lieu de mémoire in shaping Ghanaian national identity; and the application of the lieux de mémoire approach in a West African context.
Who was Tetteh Quarshie, and what is his significance?
Tetteh Quarshie is a pivotal figure in Ghanaian history, often credited with introducing cocoa cultivation to the Gold Coast. However, this study challenges the simplistic narrative, revealing a more complex history involving multiple actors. Despite this complexity, Quarshie has become a significant lieu de mémoire, embodying the nation's connection to cocoa and its economic success. His image is used on currency and numerous institutions are named in his honor.
How did cocoa arrive in the Gold Coast?
The introduction of cocoa to the Gold Coast was a multifaceted process, not a singular event. It involved the Columbian Exchange, the role of Atlantic islands as springboards, and the participation of European traders, missionaries, and ultimately, individuals like Tetteh Quarshie. The process was prolonged and involved multiple contributors.
What was the economic impact of cocoa cultivation on Ghana?
Cocoa cultivation led to a significant economic boom in Ghana. From its beginnings in 1891, the industry rapidly expanded, making Ghana the world's largest cocoa exporter by 1911. The study analyzes the economic structures of the industry, including the role of smallholder farmers and Ghana's relative independence from British influence, noting periods of both boom and relative decline.
How have narratives surrounding the introduction of cocoa changed over time?
The narratives surrounding cocoa's introduction have evolved considerably. Early accounts featured various pioneers, but over time, Tetteh Quarshie emerged as the central figure, becoming a symbol of national pride and a key element in shaping Ghanaian national identity. The study examines these diverging narratives and their eventual convergence on Quarshie.
What is the significance of the planned Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Museum?
The planned Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Museum represents a continuation of the commemorative culture surrounding cocoa's introduction to Ghana. It underscores the enduring importance of cocoa and its history in shaping the nation's identity.
What are the key words associated with this study?
Key words include: Tetteh Quarshie, cocoa, Gold Coast, Ghana, lieux de mémoire, collective memory, Columbian Exchange, colonial agriculture, economic history, national identity, commemorative culture, smallholder farming, and Ghanaian history.
- Citation du texte
- Tim R. Kerkmann (Auteur), 2019, Tetteh Quarshie. The Ascension of a Pioneering Cocoa Farmer to a Ghanaian "lieu de mémoire", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/504072
