Ghana’s Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has emphasized the need to nurture a new generation of chefs and innovators who can reimagine Ghanaian cuisine for the global stage, as the 2-day Afro-Gastro Festival kicks off in Accra.
According to the Minister, the Afro-Gastro Festival is more than just a food festival; it’s a celebration of African unity, cultural diplomacy, and economic empowerment.
Minister Gomashie emphasized that food is a universal language that can bridge cultural divides and foster solidarity.
Speaking at the opening of the two day food festival at the Kwame Nkrumah memorial gardens in Accra, Tourism Minister reiterated that “by showcasing Ghana’s rich culinary heritage and cultural diversity, the festival aims to promote gastronomy as a tool for cultural identity, historical memory, and human connection.
The event brings together chefs, artists, researchers, and cultural organizations to explore the power of food in diplomacy, connection, and community building.¹
Addressing dignitaries and diplomats, she emphasized the significance of food in bridging cultural gaps and promoting international understanding.
She highlighted that food is a universal language that can bridge divides and foster solidarity.
“When people come together, they not only share meals, but also values, empathy, and understanding”, she noted.
She further emphasized the iImportance of preserving and showcasing Africa’s rich culinary heritage, citing examples like Waakye in Accra, Jollof in Dakar, Callaloo in Bridgetown, and Moi Moi in Lagos, adding “these dishes carry stories of resilience, migration, and identity”.
Speaking on cultural diplomacy, Hon. Gomashie stressed that the Afro-Gastro Festival is more than just a celebration of food; it’s a platform for cultural diplomacy, education, and exchange.
And therefore encouraged stakeholders to unite in building cultural bridges through food and storytelling.
She anchored that the festival is an investment in the future of Afro cuisine and a catalyst for economic empowerment.
The Afro-Gastro Festival promises to be a landmark celebration, showcasing Africa’s diverse culinary traditions and cultural heritage.
The event aims to highlight Africa’s rich culinary heritage and promote gastronomy as a tool for cultural identity, historical memory, and human connection, bring together chefs, artists, researchers, and cultural organizations to explore the power of food in diplomacy, connection, and community building.
In addition, position Ghana as a hub for African food and culture, celebrating the continent’s unique flavors and traditions.
By: Ishmael Barfi
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
