Accra: The maiden edition of the Afro Gastronomy Fair 2025, known as AfroGastro, has launched in Accra, bringing together chefs, diplomats, cultural leaders, and food enthusiasts from across Africa and the diaspora to celebrate the continent's culinary heritage and the diplomatic power of food.
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, emphasized the importance of African cuisine in defining identity and promoting unity. She described AfroGastro as more than a food event, but as a form of diplomacy that fosters dialogue among nations, peoples, and families. The fair is organized under the theme: 'Connecting Culture through Food, Music, and Heritage,' and aims to showcase traditional dishes while affirming African resilience, creativity, and interconnectedness.
The event highlights culinary traditions such as Jollof rice, Kenkey, Ampesi, and Waakye, illustrating stories of migration, trade, and cultural evolution. Madam Gomashie praised the fair as a strategic act of culinary diplomacy, promoting African cuisine on a global scale while strengthening Ghana's creative economy and attracting investment. She announced available land for investors interested in culinary education and agribusiness initiatives.
Under President John Dramani Mahama, Ghana seeks to drive economic transformation through culture and creativity with events like AfroGastro. Mr. Edmond Moukala N'Gouemo, the UNESCO Representative to Ghana, lauded the initiative as a visionary model for sustainable cultural development, emphasizing its role in Ghana's push for a 24-hour economy.
Participants at the fair include foreign missions, local chefs, mixologists, creative entrepreneurs, cultural custodians, and farmers, each showcasing their national dishes to encourage cross-cultural exchange and deepen diplomatic ties. The two-day fair features food exhibitions, musical performances, panel discussions, and cultural displays reflecting Africa's vibrant culture.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to making the fair an annual continental event to boost tourism, promote heritage, and create jobs through Africa's rich gastronomy.
