Northern Regional traditional food exhibition celebrates culinary heritage

By Samuel SAM

The second edition of the Northern Regional Traditional Food Exhibition has been held at the Centre for National Culture (CNC) in Tamale, in commemoration of Heritage Month and to promote the consumption of traditional dishes.

The event, themed ‘Display your cooking pot’, was organised by the CNC with support from Nkulenu Industries Ltd. and Tasty Tom Ghana Ltd. It brought together both professional and amateur cooks from diverse cultural backgrounds to showcase and prepare indigenous dishes, highlighting their nutritional value and cultural significance.

The initiative aimed to raise public awareness on the health benefits of local foods and preserve Ghana’s rich culinary heritage.

Seven groups took part in the exhibition, each preparing various traditional meals, beverages, and pastries. Judges from the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Tamale Technical University (TaTU) assessed the entries based on presentation, taste and cultural relevance.

Speaking at the event, former catering lecturer at TaTU, Mary Alentis, commended the CNC for its efforts in promoting local cuisine. “This type of event helps educate the public on the value of traditional dishes and their nutritional benefits,” she noted. “As a country, we must develop a culture of consuming local products to support producers and processors, which in turn fosters economic growth and job creation.”

She further encouraged extending such exhibitions to educational institutions to instil a sense of patriotism and cultural appreciation among the youth.

Mr. Frank Owusu, a Quality Assurance Officer at the Ghana Tourism Authority, emphasised government’s collaboration with media and private sector stakeholders to boost domestic tourism and cultural heritage through such initiatives.

Northern Regional Director of the CNC, Abubakri Iddrisu Saeed, reaffirmed the centre’s commitment to promoting the region’s cultural identity. “We are gathered here to honour our rich and time-tested cultural heritage through food. These dishes tell the stories of our ancestors and communities and reflect traditions that define who we are,” he said.

He urged restaurants and chop bar operators to incorporate traditional meals into their menus to support the campaign for nutritious, locally-sourced cuisine. “Let us take this opportunity not just to cook and taste these dishes, but also to appreciate and pass on these culinary traditions to future generations,” he added.

Mr. Saeed reiterated the CNC’s mandate to promote the preservation, dissemination and celebration of Ghanaian culture. He underscored the vital role traditional food systems play in achieving food security, eradicating poverty and maintaining climate-resilient agro-ecosystems.

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