Tamale: Mr Abubakari Iddrisu Saeed, Northern Regional Director, Centre for National Culture, has emphasised the need for restaurants and chop bars across the country to prioritise traditional cuisines on their menus to popularise the eating of nutritious local meals.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Saeed highlighted that promoting traditional dishes is essential in preserving the Ghanaian culture and showcasing the country's rich tourism potential. This could lead to job creation and business opportunities, especially for the youth. He made these remarks at the third edition of the traditional food exhibition, held in Tamale as part of activities to mark this year's Ghana Month celebration.
The event, themed 'Display Your Cooking Pot,' was organised by the Centre for National Culture with support from Nkulenu Industries Limited and Tasty Tom. The exhibition provided a platform for various groups to compete in cooking local dishes, allowing them to showcase their culinary skills while encouraging members of the public to embrace Ghanaian meals.
Mr Saeed stated, "We are gathered here to honour our rich and time-tested cultural heritage through one of its most essential elements, our traditional foods." He further elaborated that food is not just sustenance, but it also reflects identity, origins, and values. The dishes prepared and displayed at the event tell the stories of ancestors, communities, and the traditions that have shaped the Ghanaian identity.
He urged the citizenry to embrace the diversity of local cuisines, engage in meaningful conversations about culture, and remain committed to preserving and promoting Ghana's cultural heritage for future generations. Six groups representing different ethnic backgrounds participated in the cooking competition, preparing dishes such as rice balls, tubani, local snacks, drinks, and jollof rice, each showcasing the richness of their cultural backgrounds.
Mr Alhassan Abdul-Waris, a judge for the event, commended all participants for their exceptional culinary skills and encouraged them to keep improving. Additionally, Madam Susanna Sampana, Northern Regional Activation Representative of Tasty Tom, urged the public to embrace traditional Ghanaian dishes to improve their overall well-being. Participants expressed gratitude to the Centre for National Culture and partners for providing the platform, which encouraged the cooking and consumption of local meals.
