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History and Background

Suaman Dadieso, located in the Western North Region of Ghana, has a rich history of cocoa production that is integral to the local economy and culture.

During the reign of Nana Yaw Preko as Abakomahene and subsequently Ohene of Suaman Dadieso in the late 19th century, cocoa was introduced to Suaman Dadieso from a farm in Grand-Bassam, now in Ivory Coast.

It was first grown in the ancient town of Aduuyakrom, the then capital of the Kenyasi-Abakoma division and the residence of the core royal family of Suaman. Cocoa cultivation began as an exotic crop in Aduuyakrom and other royal abodes such as Agnibilikro, Tinguarang, Kettesso, Yaou, Essikasso, and Bianoun. However, during the partition of Africa, all these royal abodes except Aduuyakrom, along with over eighty percent of Suaman lands, went under French colonial rule and are now located in Ivory Coast.

 During the colonial era, Sir William Bradford Griffith, the Governor of the Gold Coast (Ghana) at the time, facilitated the distribution of cocoa pods from São Tomé to local farmers in 1886 and beyond through various colonial programs and policies. By the early 20th century, the commercial benefits of cocoa planting became evident, and production spread to all parts of the Suaman traditional area through the efforts of their chief, Nana Ebbi Kwaw Dehyie I. The favorable climatic and soil conditions encouraged the locals to adopt cocoa farming as a major agricultural and economic activity. Under the reign of Chief Nana Dudugyaaku (Brentum II), cocoa production surged in Suaman Dadieso due to his strict policies requiring all adults to engage in farming, particularly cocoa production. Transporting cocoa was a significant challenge because Suaman Dadieso was situated in dense forest without road or rail access.

From the early 20th century to the 1930s, locals carried cocoa on their backs from their traditional areas to Sefwi Juaboso, an ancient mining town with road access for cocoa transport to the coast for export. This arduous journey covered an average of forty kilometers with loads of at least sixty kilograms, showcasing the diligence of the Suaman Dadieso people. Relief came in the 1960s when automobile roads first reached Suaman Dadieso, significantly influencing the traditional area's agriculture-oriented economy through improved policies and infrastructure. After Ghana gained independence in 1957, the government continued to support cocoa production as a key economic sector. Suaman Dadieso benefited from various initiatives aimed at improving cocoa yields, including research, extension services, and better farming techniques.Suaman Dadieso has remained a major cocoa center in Ghana for years.

The commencement of the cocoa season in the first week of October is marked with traditional rites and celebrations by the people of Aduuyakrom and the entire Suaman community.