By Hafsa Obeng
Accra, Oct. 15, GNA – Madam Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has unveiled a new initiative “Afrogastro”, aimed at promoting African unity and cultural diplomacy through food.
The two-day festival, she described as a “cultural immersion of food, music, and everything creative”, would be a celebration of African culinary heritage.
She emphasized the central role of food in shaping identity and fostering connections among African peoples and the diaspora.
“There is no one created by God who does not eat every day. But our food does more than nourish us, it speaks to who we are. Across Africa, we see common threads in our food culture. From Ghana to Uganda, we share similar dishes that remind us we are truly one people.”
She said the festival, which forms part of the broader “Black Star Experience” initiative, would feature chefs and cultural representatives from 12 countries.
“It aims to highlight African cuisine not only on the continent but also among Afro-descendant communities globally, including São Tomé, Trinidad and Tobago, and others who have retained and reimagined traditional African ingredients like cocoyam and kontomire.”
Madam Gomashie said the first day of the festival would include an official opening ceremony, followed by discussions on cultural diplomacy through food. “Diplomats, cultural figures, and culinary experts will explore how food transcends language and borders,” she said.
“You don’t need to speak Spanish to enjoy Spanish food, or French to appreciate French cuisine. Our tongues simply respond to good food,” Madam Gomashie said.
She said the second day would bring the flavours to life with live cooking and tasting sessions. “Renowned chefs from across Africa will prepare authentic dishes from their homelands, showcasing diverse culinary techniques and presentation styles.”
The Minister said among the standout highlights would be a live Jollof rice cooking session led by Ghana’s own culinary sensation, Chef Faila, who previously attempted to break the world record in a cook-a-thon.
“Even though she didn’t win the record, she won our hearts, and she is still a superstar in our books. She will prepare authentic Ghanaian Jollof, which, as we all know, remains undefeated,” she said.
She said alongside the food, music would play a central role in the experience. A live band stand would host performances by notable Ghanaian artists including Sherifa Gunu and Besa Simons, with youth performers also taking the stage to express African creativity in its many forms.
“This is not just an event. The “Black Star Experience” is a celebration of African identity, all year round. We are offering this immersion to both our continental and diaspora brothers and sisters,” she added.
Madam Gomashie acknowledged that while the African Union (AU) had made strides in political and economic integration, more could be done on the cultural front.
“If the AU hasn’t succeeded as much as we want it to, then we are using the Black Star Experience to help bridge that gap — through food, heritage, and music,” she said.
She also announced a growing collaboration with the AU, revealing that AU representatives had requested for chef hats and aprons, eager to participate in the culinary showcase with a table of their own.
The Minister expressed gratitude to all the countries participating in the initiative, as well as media houses and sponsors backing the event, while calling on Ghanaians to support the creative and culinary industries as a way to promote Ghana’s cultural legacy and economic growth.
“We are doing this for the red, gold and green with the Black Star, our beloved Ghana. As we cook, let’s also think of how we can grow this industry for the future.”
The Afrogastro festival is expected to become an annual celebration, building bridges across continents and reaffirming Africa’s place on the global cultural map one dish at a time.
GNA
Edited by Christian Akorlie