Accra: Madam Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has unveiled a new initiative 'Afrogastro', aimed at promoting African unity and cultural diplomacy through food. The two-day festival, she described as a 'cultural immersion of food, music, and everything creative', would be a celebration of African culinary heritage.
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Gomashie emphasized the central role of food in shaping identity and fostering connections among African peoples and the diaspora. She highlighted that common threads in food culture across Africa, from Ghana to Uganda, remind Africans that they are truly one people. The festival forms part of the broader 'Black Star Experience' initiative and will feature chefs and cultural representatives from 12 countries. It aims to highlight African cuisine both on the continent and among Afro-descendant communities globally, including So Tom©, Trinidad and Tobago, and others who have retained and reimagined traditional African ingredients.
The first day of the festival will include an official opening ceremony, followed by discussions on cultural diplomacy through food. Diplomats, cultural figures, and culinary experts will explore how food transcends language and borders, illustrating that appreciation for good food does not require understanding the language of its origin.
The second day will bring the flavors to life with live cooking and tasting sessions. Renowned chefs from across Africa will prepare authentic dishes from their homelands, showcasing diverse culinary techniques and presentation styles. Among the standout highlights will be a live Jollof rice cooking session led by Ghana's culinary sensation, Chef Faila. Although she previously attempted to break the world record in a cook-a-thon and did not succeed, she remains a beloved figure in Ghana.
Music will also play a central role in the experience, with live performances by notable Ghanaian artists including Sherifa Gunu and Besa Simons. Youth performers will also take the stage to express African creativity in its many forms.
Madam Gomashie acknowledged that while the African Union (AU) has made strides in political and economic integration, more could be done on the cultural front. She revealed a growing collaboration with the AU, noting that representatives had requested chef hats and aprons, eager to participate in the culinary showcase.
The Minister expressed gratitude to all the countries participating in the initiative, as well as media houses and sponsors backing the event. She called on Ghanaians to support the creative and culinary industries as a way to promote Ghana's cultural legacy and economic growth.
The Afrogastro festival is expected to become an annual celebration, building bridges across continents and reaffirming Africa's place on the global cultural map one dish at a time.
