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Putting Northern cuisine on the world menu: Chef Abiro’s journey
From Bolgatanga in Ghana’s Upper East Region, Chef Abiro Seidu Napaana of Zuarungu is redefining what it means to cook and take pride in one’s heritage. His mission: to elevate Northern Ghanaian cuisine onto the global stage.
Raised in a household that emphasized gender equality, Abiro began cooking as a responsibility rather than rebellion. In a region where cooking is traditionally assigned to women, his early interest was unusual, but it quickly became a passion.
At Bolgatanga Senior High School, Abiro chose Home Economics over General Science, placing him among just five boys in his class. Despite bullying and skepticism from peers, he excelled academically, proving his capabilities and earning respect.
Abiro pursued Hotel, Catering, and Institutional Management at university, graduating in 2019. He noted that culinary schools often prioritized international cuisines—French, Italian, Mexican, and Chinese—while sidelining Ghanaian dishes. Determined to champion local cuisine, he joined the Ghana Food Movement, an organization promoting indigenous foods.
Focusing on Northern Ghanaian cuisine, Abiro highlights its nutrient-dense, climate-adapted dishes, such as wasawasa (millet-based) and tuo zaafi (soups with dried okra). To make these visually appealing, he reimagines traditional meals using modern plating techniques, maintaining authenticity while attracting contemporary audiences.
His work has gained international recognition. He has conducted cooking demonstrations in Italy, France, Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, and Canada, showcasing Ghanaian staples rather than continental dishes. For four consecutive years, he has represented Northern Ghanaian cuisine in Rome through programmes linked to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Abiro also advocates for climate-resilient crops like fonio and millet, highlighting their potential to combat food insecurity and lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. He believes Northern Ghanaian cuisine, rich in fibre, micronutrients, and plant proteins, will become central to global conversations on sustainable and healthy eating.
As Head Chef of the Ghana Food Movement, Abiro sees himself not just as a cook but as a cultural ambassador. His message to young chefs: success is possible when rooted in indigenous cuisine.
“I came from Zuarungu in the Upper East. If I can travel the world cooking Northern Ghanaian food, then any young chef who believes in their heritage can do the same,” he says.
For Chef Abiro, the kitchen is a platform for identity, pride, and transformation—one beautifully plated dish at a time.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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THE Times Ladies Association, a group consisting of female staff of the New Times Corporation (NTC), on Monday commemorated this year’s International Women’s Day with a call on women to empower themselves through education, unity and healthy living to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The event, held at the NTC’s boardroom, was attended by management members and staff of the corporation and was to celebrate the achievements of women and reflect on their role in society.
In her address, the President of the association, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo, said the global celebration, marked annually on March 8, recognised the economic, political and social achievements of women while raising awareness about gender equality.
Although the international celebration fell on Sunday, she explained that the association decided to mark the occasion on March 9 to enable members to participate fully and commemorate the day in their own way.
Speaking on this year’s theme: ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,’ and the global campaign theme: ‘Give to Gain,’ she the association had over the years worked tirelessly to support the growth and progress of the corporation despite the challenges they faced.
Urged members to commit themselves to deeper service to humanity and the advancement of women. She said women were unique, resilient and invaluable to society, stating that they deserved respect, appreciation, kindness and love for the vital roles they played in families, workplaces and communities.
According to her, members of the President, who is also the Editor of The Spectator newspaper, encouraged members to empower themselves academically and take advantage of opportunities to improve their lives and careers.
She also urged them to maintain healthy lifestyles by going for regular medical check-ups, exercise regularly, get enough rest and support one another.
Moreover, she advised members to accept leadership positions when given the opportunity and to exhibit qualities such as hard work, confidence, patience, compassion and responsibility in both their homes and workplaces.
Contributing, the Chanel Marketing and Circulation Manager, Mr Alfred Koomson, said women played critical roles in society and deserved to be supported and appreciated.
He urged men to recognise that they were often vulnerable species without the care, support and contributions of women in their lives.
He, therefore, commended women for the invaluable roles they play as mothers, caregivers, professionals and leaders, stressing that society would be incomplete without them.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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GHANA celebrated her 69th Independence Anniversary last Friday with colourful parades across all 16 regions of the country.
This year’s theme: ‘Reflect, Review, Reset,’ emphasised the importance of reflecting on the nation’s journey, assessing its current state, and planning for a brighter future.
At the Jubilee House, dignitaries present were President John Mahama, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, former Presidents, Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor, behalf of the President, former President of Tanzania, and other distinguished guests.
The President, John Dramani Mahama, addressed the nation at the seat of government whiles Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives addressed their various assemblies on.
As part of the celebrations, school children paraded and displayed their marching skills whiles others performed cultural and other social activities to mark the day across the regions.
