The Ghana Tourism Authority is embarking on a grand culinary event dubbed ‘Feast Ghana’ to celebrate and promote our local foods and also showcase the diversity of Ghanaians as a people through food.
The first edition of Feast Ghana celebrated Ghana’s rich culinary heritage under the theme “Flavours of Ghana, Celebrating Ghana’s Cultural diversity through food”.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GTA, Akwasi Agyeman giving his welcome address mentioned that this initiative was launched in 2017 under the theme, “See Ghana, Wear Ghana and Feel Ghana”.
“This initiative was designed to show the richness and diversity of our culture and to help promote the various pillars under the ministry. See Ghana being the travel bit, Eat Ghana highlights the culinary experience that we can bring to bare, Wear Ghana makes sure that the fashion pillar of our industry is also growing and feel Ghana is to promote our music and movies”.
“In the last few years, I must say we have seen an increase in all the various activities that we’ve done. In terms of see Ghana, we’ve seen a dramatic rise in domestic tourism numbers, in terms of eat Ghana I’m proud to say that in recent times if you go to any of our major hotels especially the up market hotels, it’s become a regular feature to see Ghanaian cuisine being served and that is through the efforts of our deliberate attempt to promote made in Ghana foods and everything Ghana but now we want to take it a notch higher and that is why now we’re embarking on this exciting journey called ‘Feast Ghana’”.
He emphasized that the initiative is sitting on 5 D’s which include: Diversity, Delight, Discovery, Development and Dedication.
He believes that through the above, we will be able to showcase the different types of food that we have in the country.
“As Ghanaians, we need to be committed to what we have so, let’s try and eat our own, drink our own and wear our own through that, the economic benefits to the country and also to the people of the value chain is enormous and will help grow the industry”.
He added that a team will be in the Ashanti region on Monday April 22nd as part of Otumfo)’s 25th anniversary to continue with the awareness creation and celebration.
“After which, the grand celebration will be on the 1st of May in partnership with the PSWU of TUC” he added.
Minister of Tourism Designate, Andrew Egyapa Mercer who launched the event expressed his excitement and how important it is for Ghanaians to celebrate their culinary heritage.
“Ghana has a lot to offer to visitors thus, by celebrating our diverse culinary heritage and promoting our unique food offerings, we can position Ghana as a must visit destination for travelers seeking authentic cuisine experiences. Feast Ghana can grow to become a shining light that throws a spotlight on our local chefs and our indigenous ingredients”.
“It is my hope therefore that our sector players will take a cue from this and promote our local foods more in our hotels, lounges and other entertainment locations. I am happy that Feast Ghana is happening not only in Accra but also in Kumasi as we celebrate the silver jubilee of our Asantehene”.
He thanked the sponsors, partners and everyone present and also urged them to get involved and be part of the celebration.
The event was organized by the Ghana Tourism Authority in partnership with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Asanteman Queen mothers Association and the public service workers union of the Traders Union Congress (PSWU of TUC)