Climaxing Ghana Month: …hundreds turn out to taste indigenous meals in Accra

The forecourt of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly was the ‘melting pot’ for all Ghanaian dishes, as hundreds of people turned out last weekend to have a taste of sumptuous local cuisines they might have missed in their lifetime.

The two-day event dubbed “Back to Your Village Food Bazaar,” formed part of activities climaxing Ghana Month.

Organised by Accra-based Citi Fm and partners, it was to promote the consumption of local dishes while offering businesses a platform to project their brands and services.

It was to showcase the rich values of various ethnic groups in the country and deepen the spirit of unity and friendship among them.

Indigenous foods and drinks from the northern, middle, and southern zones of Ghana were readily available for patrons of all age groups who took part in various fun activities, including cooking competition, ‘jama’ and live music on Saturday and Sunday to have a feel.

Beverages including ‘Asana,’ Lamugine, ‘Pito’, ‘Brukina’, ‘Sobolo’ ‘Atadwe milk, were not in short supply as tourists and indigenes alike ate their favourite meals at designated stands with ease. 

Indeed, it was a switch from the everyday rice and stew to a banquet of rare preparations such as ‘apapransa,’ kokonte’ ‘akyeke’ ‘tubaani’, ‘mpotompoto’, among others.

Day one saw musical performances by various artistes such as Ga Cultural Band, Dromo Naa, and others while three different groups also took part in a cooking contest later in the day with the winners and runners up receiving special packages from the sponsors.

The ‘Kwan Pa’ Band opened Day the second day with an enthralling performance as the audience danced and sang along melodious highlife tunes. Observers watched closely as contestants tried to outsmart one another in the ‘gari soakings’ competition on Sunday.

Ms. Elizabeth Kwatsoe Tawiah Sackey, Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), who was the Special Guest last Saturday, commended the organisers for the initiative and pledged support for the local food industry.

In all, it was a memorable event for the exhibitors and the visitors who could not hold back their commendation for the well-coordinated show. The organisers were happy with the turn out indicating that the bazaar went from being an exhibition to a “family gathering” of sort.  

By Lizzy Okai