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Queen of the Kitchen meets King of Spices: Nana Ama McBrown and Deedew Spices take Ghanaian cuisine global
A new wave of taste and flavour is hitting Ghana’s kitchens following the ambassadorial partnership between Deedew Spices, produced and manufactured by Bloomway Industries, a food company aiming to elevate everyday meals with its tasty spice blends and celebrated screen icon, Nana Ama McBrown.
Recognizing the vast potential of the nation’s culinary space, the move seeks to not only tantalise taste buds and promote healthy living but also contribute to the country’s booming hospitality industry.
“We know Ghana boasts of an abundance of spices. But we believe everyone deserves to experience the true richness and depth of taste and flavour they offer. That’s why we use only real spice ingredients, carefully sourced and blended to create unique taste profiles that capture the essence of Ghanaian cooking,” Willam Achaempong, Resource and Optimisation [Finance] Manager of the 200-plus-employee-strong company said during a ceremony to formalise the partnership.
He added that the choice of Nana Ama McBrown as its brand ambassador was a demonstration of Deedew Spices’ understanding of the power of community. “This partnership with iconic actress Nana Ama McBrown, a household name synonymous with warmth, authenticity, and culinary expertise not only strengthens Deedew’s connection to our roots but also leverages McBrown’s extensive audience and influence to reach a wider audience and celebrate the cultural significance of food,” he added.
This comes as Ghana’s food sector is projected to grow at an annual rate of 8.4 percent between 2024 and 2028. This surge is driven by several factors, including a growing middle class with an appetite for new flavours, a tourism industry hungry for authentic experiences, and a global fascination with African cuisine.
“Deedew Spices will capitalise on this trend by offering a convenient, tasty and flavorful way to explore the depths of Ghanaian cuisine, both at home and abroad,” Mr. Acheampong added.
On her part, Nana Ama McBrown said the strategic partnership was not a rushed one but had been years in the offing. She added that being mindful of her position and range of influence, she approached partnerships with extra caution. She was selective, ensuring collaborations aligned with her values and maintained her professional image but more importantly, consumer well-being and was confident that Deedew Spices had ticked all the right boxes.
“I’m thrilled to be partnering with Deedew Spices. Food is more than just sustenance; it’s a way to connect with our culture and share moments of joy with loved ones. Deedew’s dedication to using natural ingredients and capturing the true essence of Ghanaian flavors and taste resonates deeply with me,” she said, adding that emphasis will be placed on healthy eating during the campaign.
Touching on the potential impact for tourism she also said, “Imagine tourists returning home not just with souvenirs, but also with the ability to recreate authentic Ghanaian dishes in their kitchens, fueled by Deedew’s vibrant spice blends.”
Nana Ama McBrown’s association with Deedew goes beyond simply lending her name. She will be actively involved in promoting the brand through various initiatives, including social media campaigns, recipe demonstrations, and even exclusive collaborations. Patrons can expect to see the icon showcasing her culinary skills using Deedew spices, offering viewers a glimpse into her personal favorites and kitchen tips.
Deedew currently offers various distinct blends: Stew, Jollof, Curry, Noodles, and All-Purpose, available in multiple sizes to cater to individual and family needs, with a particular emphasis on commercial scale food vendors. Each blend is meticulously crafted to complement specific dishes, ensuring an explosion of flavour in every bite.
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Govt urged to provide safe, supportive environment for menstruating girls
The government has been urged to take urgent steps toward providing a safe and supportive environment for menstruating girls to ensure proper personal hygiene and promote school attendance.
Sarah Nkansah Boateng, a midwife at the Eastern Regional Hospital made the call during a forum organised as part of activities to observe Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration in the New Juaben North Municipality of the Eastern Region.
The event was held under the theme “Together for a Period-Friendly World.”
She noted that many girls skip school during their menstrual periods due to a lack of access to sanitary products and appropriate spaces to change them.
“The basic necessities for these girls are not being provided; creating a safe and enabling environment is crucial,” Madam Boateng emphasized.
She called on school authorities and policymakers to prioritise the construction of hygienic and private changing spaces in schools.
She further appealed for a collective effort to address menstrual health challenges affecting girls in the community.
The New Juaben North Municipal Director of Health Services, Nana Yaa Konadu, also highlighted her office’s initiatives in both school-based and community clinics to educate young girls on menstrual hygiene.
She stressed the health implications of poor menstrual hygiene, saying, “When girls lack access to sanitary pads and a clean environment, it can negatively impact their reproductive health.”
Madam Konadu warned that the absence of menstrual hygiene facilities and products left some girls vulnerable to exploitation, increasing the risk of teenage pregnancy.
The Municipal Chief Executive for New Juaben North, Mr Samuel Adongo, described menstruation as a natural biological process and not a taboo or burden.
He expressed concern over the poor state of sanitation facilities in schools.
“I have visited almost all public schools in the municipality, and none has a proper, standard toilet facility suitable for girls,” he stated.
Mr Adongo assured that the assembly would work to create an enabling environment to reduce school absenteeism related to menstruation.
“Too many girls are missing school because of their menstrual cycle, and this is unacceptable,” he added.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman, Koforidua
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Akwesi Agyeman, Ekpe vow to lead GJA to ‘era of purpose and professionalism’
As the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) prepares for its national elections, two of the key contenders, General Secretary Aspirant Akwasi Agyeman and Vice Presidential hopeful Rebecca Ekpe have called for a return to ethical journalism, stronger mentorship and institutional reforms.
They both made the remarks during separate visits to The Spectator and The Ghanaian Times, respectively to solicit for votes.
Akwasi Agyeman, an Editor with Multimedia is seeking to lead the association into what he calls a “new era of purpose and professionalism.”
He stressed the urgent need to reposition the GJA as a strong and relevant voice in national affairs.
“We cannot continue with business as usual. The GJA must be visible, active, and fearless in advocating for the rights and welfare of journalists,” he said during a meeting with media practitioners in Accra.
Mr. Agyeman noted that his leadership will focus on building partnerships, improving member services, and restoring the dignity of the Association. “We need to rekindle the spirit of solidarity within the GJA and provide real value to members, especially the younger generation,” he added.
Ms Rebecca Ekpe, a respected Broadcast Journalist and Editor, echoed similar sentiments in her call for mentorship and capacity building.
“I discovered through my journey that journalism is not just my job, it is who I am. My path in journalism was shaped by my seniors in the newsroom, and now I feel called to give back,” she said.
Ms Ekpe envisions a GJA where senior journalists regularly engage with young professionals through face-to-face mentoring and training platforms. “Even if you attend a session and pick just one idea, it could change the course of your career,” she remarked.
She also raised concerns about the rise of misinformation and the blurred lines between journalism and social media content creation. “People sit online insulting others and call themselves journalists. When they are attacked, GJA defends them, but we must ask: are they truly journalists? We must protect the integrity of our profession,” she stressed.
The Editor of The Spectator, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo wished them well in their campaigns and quest to serve the GJA.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
