Arts & Culture · Godfred Anku Kaali

CNC promotes healthy living through Ghanaian traditional cuisines

The Eastern Regional Centre for National Culture (CNC) has organised a cooking competition among eight trading groups at the Koforidua Central Market to promote Ghanaian traditional foods and encourage healthy living.

Dubbed the “Onga Maame Mukaase Cooking Competition,” the initiative brought together market women to showcase their knowledge and skills in preparing traditional Ghanaian dishes.

Held under the theme, “Enhancing our Health Life through Ghanaian Traditional Cuisines,” the event formed part of the CNC’s Black Star Experience programme.

It sought to promote the consumption and preservation of traditional Ghanaian foods, highlight the nutritional value of local cuisines, and encourage the transfer of traditional cooking knowledge from one generation to another.

The participating groups prepared a variety of local dishes, including Waakye, Etor, Mpotompoto, Yam and Plantain with Kontomire Stew, Konkonte and Nkatenkwan, Akple with Fetri To To, Fufuo and Abunabunu, and Tuo Zaafi.

Speaking to GBC News, the Eastern Regional Director of the Centre for National Culture, Dr. Dorcas Salamatu Alhassan, said the initiative forms part of efforts to preserve Ghana’s cooking heritage.

She explained that culture extends beyond language, dress and dance, stressing that traditional Ghanaian cuisine is an important part of the country’s cultural identity and should be passed on to younger generations.

The Spices Group, which prepared Waakye, placed third, while the Ngokuo, with Etor, came second.

The Corn Group emerged winners with their preparation of Akple and Fetri To To.

A member of the winning team, Faustina Boameh, called on parents to introduce their children to traditional Ghanaian foods and encourage them to appreciate their nutritional and cultural value.

The Eastern Regional Centre for National Culture says it will continue to use cultural programmes to promote Ghana’s rich heritage and encourage the appreciation and preservation of traditional Ghanaian foods.