Accra: The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has announced its strategic efforts to position Ghana as a hub for indigenous foods with international recognition, aiming to foster socioeconomic growth. Mrs. Marilyn Maame Efua Houadjeto, CEO of GTA, highlighted the Independence Anniversary Food Fair at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, branded as ‘Taste 68 @ 68’, as a key initiative to promote Ghanaian cuisine and enhance its value globally.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mrs. Houadjeto emphasized the health benefits and authentic experiences offered by indigenous Ghanaian dishes, advocating for their promotion to achieve household status akin to the renowned Ghanaian jollof. She stated, “In our homes, we all eat Ghanaian dishes, but we may not realize their true value. We are promoting them both locally and internationally to attract foreigners and tourists to enjoy our foods.”
Mrs. Houadjeto underlined the importance of food in tourism, noting how it provides tourists with unique experiences, showcases local culture, stimulates local economies, and enhances the attractiveness of a destination. She praised the display of over 68 indigenous foods, snacks, and drinks, which were presented with appealing garnishments and aromas that captivated attendees before the feast.
Highlighting the nutritional value of local dishes, Mrs. Houadjeto called for these foods to become household names internationally, akin to the culinary identities of countries like Mexico, India, and China. She urged families, particularly mothers, to prioritize local dishes and introduce them to children, countering the trend of preferring foreign cuisines.
The Taste 68 @ 68 event successfully gathered diverse segments of the population and featured a celebrities’ jollof cooking competition, cultural dances, and traditional games like ‘Owaare’ and draught. Participants included Victoria Lebene, Uncle Ato, Okyeame Kwame, and Joyce Blessing, with Okyeame Kwame winning the top prize for his vegan jollof rice.
Victoria Lebene, the first runner-up, praised the event for its cultural representation and collective effort in showcasing Ghana’s heritage. Despite her defeat to Okyeame Kwame’s climate-resilient dish, her fish jollof, enriched with various fish and herbs, was well-received for its nutritional benefits, offering an alternative to meat and chicken.