Ghana is set to host the highly anticipated AfroGastro Festival this weekend, a two-day celebration of African food, music, and cultural expression, to be held from October 17–18 at Kwame Nkrumah memorial Park in Accra.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, is a signature feature of the Black Star Experience, a broader initiative promoting unity among people of African descent through heritage, gastronomy, and the arts.
Speaking at a media briefing, sector Minister Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie described the festival as a powerful form of cultural diplomacy. “Our food nourishes us, but it also speaks to who we are. Across Africa and the diaspora, our cuisines reflect a shared identity,” she said.
Day One of the festival will open with a ceremony and panel discussions exploring the role of cuisine in diplomacy and identity. Diplomats, culinary experts, and international guests are expected to attend.
Day Two will feature live cooking demos and tastings from 12 African and diaspora nations, offering visitors a tour of African flavors. Ghana’s celebrated Chef Faila, known for her Guinness World Record cooking attempt, will prepare authentic Ghanaian jollof rice, a source of national pride.
“Even though she didn’t win, Chef Faila remains a superstar. Our Nigerian brothers and sisters already know we carry the good jollof,” the Minister quipped.
The festival will also include live music performances from acclaimed artists including Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, Edem, Sherifa Gunu, Mr. Bessa Simons, among others, with a live band running throughout.
In addition to tasting and music, attendees will witness fine dining plating demonstrations, facilitating cultural exchange and culinary innovation. Hon. Gomashie stressed that the event aims to promote knowledge sharing within the creative and food industries.
The African Union, one of the confirmed participants, has even requested chef hats and aprons to join in the cooking. According to the Minister, deeper collaboration with the AU is planned for 2026.
The media urged inclusion of farmers in future editions, a suggestion the Minister welcomed, saying arrangements would be made for a few to participate this year.
The Afro Gastro Festival is supported by multiple sponsors and curated by a dedicated organizing committee.
“As we cook, let’s also think of ways to grow the food and creative industries. We are doing this for the red, gold, and green with the black star, our beloved country,” the Minister concluded.
Source: Delassie Mabel Awuku-PR Unit-MoTCCA
