Accra: The two-day AFRO-GASTRO Festival came to a close at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park over the weekend, leaving behind an atmosphere rich with the aroma of indigenous and international cuisines.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event, held under the theme: 'Connecting Cultures through Food,' showcased a blend of Ghanaian, African and diasporan dishes, highlighting the shared heritage and creativity of African gastronomy. From traditional favourites such as fufu with palm nut soup, jollof, waakye, kenkey with pepper, apapransa, akple and okro soup and tuo zaafi to continental treats like Nigeria's pepper soup, Senegal's yassa chicken and Jamaica's jerk delicacies, the festival offered an exciting culinary experience.
Organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in collaboration with the African Union Development Agency, the festival attracted local and international chefs, culinary enthusiasts, traditional caterers, beverage producers and representatives from 14 High Commissions and Embassies. Some participating missions included Barbados, Colombia, Morocco, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Nigeria and the United Kingdom, each contributing distinct national flavours to the celebration.
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, urged the private sector and creative industry players to invest in African culinary tourism and innovation hubs to promote job creation and cultural exchange. She noted that food should be viewed not only as nourishment but also as a development tool that fosters unity and economic growth.
Mrs Patience Owoo, Manageress of Pattyadom Events and Catering Services, commended the organisers, saying the festival revealed strong similarities between African and diasporan cuisines. Mrs Yvette Awensermi Awan, another participant, described the event as a wonderful experience, noting that 'the jollof from Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal tells a story of shared culture and creativity.'
Chef Shanese Phoenix from Barbados, who presented Bajan Elan and Caribbean Choux recipes, said the festival had been a valuable learning opportunity and a platform for cultural connection.
Beyond the food, the event featured live musical performances by traditional drummers, Afrobeat bands and highlife legends such as Gyedu Blay Ambolley, Bessa Simons, Sherifa Gunu and Byno Ayoni, creating an atmosphere of rhythm and cultural pride.
The AFRO-GASTRO Festival was not just a feast for the palate, but a celebration of identity, diversity and togetherness - one that left lingering flavours and friendships across cultures.
