By Jones Anlimah
The Volta Regional Office of the Centre for National Culture (CNC), in collaboration with Ghana Broadcasting Corporation’s Volta Star Radio, has held the maiden edition of the Traditional Cuisine Festival in Ho, as part of activities under President Mahama’s “The Black Star Experience”. The festival sought to promote Ghana’s rich culinary heritage and encourage the patronage of indigenous dishes in the region.
Held under the theme “Unity in Diversity: Celebrating the Tastes of Volta,” the event brought together educational institutions, state agencies, local food vendors, and members of the media. Participants showcased a wide range of the region’s traditional meals, highlighting the role of cuisine in preserving cultural identity and promoting tourism.
The Volta Regional Director of the CNC, Mrs. Lydia Nyarko-Ampomah, explained that the programme is part of a national initiative to advance cultural development and appreciation of indigenous foods. “Our indigenous dishes are treasures—rich in nutrition, history, and cultural pride. This festival is not merely a feast of flavours but a call to protect, promote, and pass on this priceless culinary heritage to future generations,” Mrs. Nyarko-Ampomah said.
The event, held as part of GBC’S 90th Anniversary celebrations, featured cooking demonstrations, exhibitions, and tasting sessions, providing a platform for cultural education and knowledge-sharing.
The Volta Regional Director of GBC, Mr. Franklin Agbenyo, lauded the collaboration between CNC and Volta Star Radio, noting that GBC remains committed to promoting culture and development through broadcasting. “Volta Star Radio has been a voice for the region for about 30 years, While GBC has served the country for 90 years. We are proud to collaborate on initiatives like this that not only showcase our culture but also create platforms for learning, tourism, and economic growth,” he stated.
The Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, who officially opened the festival, emphasized that the initiative goes beyond food, but also speaks to the region’s history, health, and economic potential. “This festival challenges us to think about how best we can transform our culinary heritage into sustainable businesses that create jobs and boost our local economy. Every plate served is a story of our people, and every taste is a reminder that our culture is rich, valuable, and worth protecting,” the Minister said.
Winners of the Traditional Cuisine Festival
The festival recognized outstanding participants for their exceptional presentations and contributions to the promotion of Volta’s culinary culture. The winners were: Overall Winner African Hill Hotel, 2nd place went to TUC Volta Region, with OLA SHS picking the 3rd position spot.
Others included Gbogboza Beans(4th place), Ho Market Women(5th position), NDC Women Organisation (6th position) and Avatime Women taking the 7th position.
Organisers announced that the Traditional Cuisine Festival will become an annual event, designed to celebrate the region’s culinary heritage, attract tourists, and strengthen the region’s creative economy.
