The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, today joined the Member of Parliament for La Dade Kotopon, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, to celebrate the Homowo festival with a vibrant Kpekple Cooking Competition, aimed at preserving Ghana’s cultural heritage.
Chairing the ceremony, Hon. Gomashie lauded the initiative spearheaded by her colleague MP, describing it as a vital step toward preserving indigenous knowledge and passing it on to future generations. She emphasized the importance of safeguarding Ghanaian traditions, particularly language and cuisine, as a means of maintaining a strong cultural identity.
“Culture is the soul of a people,” she said. “We must make conscious efforts to pass on our language, food, and traditions to the next generation. UNESCO recognizes the beauty of cultural diversity, but if we fail to pass it on, culture can become extinct.”
Referencing International Mother Language Day, the Minister encouraged Ghanaians to embrace and speak their native languages regardless of educational or social status, stressing that language is a cornerstone of identity.
She also praised the collaborative spirit between parliamentarians in promoting cultural initiatives, highlighting Hon. Naa Odoley Sowah’s consistent support.
The Minister took the opportunity to announce the upcoming Afro Gastro Festival, to be organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, scheduled for October 15, 2025. She explained that the festival will celebrate Africa’s rich culinary heritage and foster cultural exchange through food.
“This festival will give us the opportunity to learn and appreciate the rich variety of African dishes and connect through our shared culinary traditions,” she added.
Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, MP for La Dade Kotopon, assured her constituents of an even bigger celebration next year. She noted that more sponsors are expected to support the competition and pledged to involve the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts in future editions of the Kpekple Cooking Competition.
Held in the heart of the La community, the event brought together nine cooking groups who showcased their culinary skills by preparing kpekple, the traditional Ga dish at the center of the
Homowo celebration. All participants received cash prizes, assorted cooking utensils, and special packages from La Palm Royal Beach Hotel.
The Homowo Kpekple Cooking Competition drew a large and enthusiastic crowd, including traditional leaders, youth groups, residents, and cultural enthusiasts, all coming together to celebrate food, heritage, and community spirit.
Source: Delassie Mabel Awuku -Publica Relations Unit – MoTCCA
