Accra: Madam Able Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, recently joined Madam Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, Member of Parliament for La Dade Kotopon, to celebrate the Homowo festival with a Kpokpoi cooking competition, aimed at preserving Ghana's cultural heritage. The competition was held over the weekend and sought to foster a deeper appreciation for traditional Ghanaian cuisine.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Minister commended the MP for leading the initiative, describing it as a crucial step toward preserving indigenous knowledge and ensuring its transmission to future generations. She highlighted the necessity of safeguarding Ghanaian traditions, particularly language and cuisine, as a means of maintaining a strong cultural identity.
Madam Gomashie stated, "Culture is the soul of a people. We must make conscious efforts to pass on our language, food, and traditions to the next generation. UNESCO recognized the beauty of cultural diversity, but if we fail to pass it on, it can become extinct." Drawing attention to the International Mother Language Day, she encouraged Ghanaians to speak their native languages irrespective of educational or social status, emphasizing that "language is a cornerstone of identity."
She also praised the collaborative spirit between parliamentarians in advancing cultural initiatives and highlighted Madam Sowah's consistent support. The Tourism Minister seized the opportunity to announce the upcoming Afro Gastro Festival, organized by the Ministry and scheduled for October 15, 2025. She stated that the festival will celebrate Africa's rich culinary heritage and promote cultural exchange through food. "This festival will give us the opportunity to learn and appreciate the rich variety of African dishes and connect through our shared culinary traditions," she added.
Madam Sowah assured her constituents of an even bigger celebration next year, indicating that more sponsors were expected to support the competition. She promised to involve the Ministry in future editions of the Homowo Kpokpoi Cooking Competition.
The event, held in the heart of the La community, brought together nine cooking groups who demonstrated their culinary skills by preparing kpokpoi, the traditional Ga dish for the Homowo Festival. All participants received cash prizes, assorted cooking utensils, and special packages from the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel.
The Homowo Kpokpoi Cooking Competition attracted a large and enthusiastic crowd, including traditional leaders, youth groups, residents, and cultural enthusiasts, all gathered to celebrate food, heritage, and community spirit.
