Plantain is one of Ghana’s most versatile and culturally defining crops
If you spotted “Kofi Tycoon” on a menu, you would probably pause. But on Episode 3 of the GASTRO FEASTIVAL: Table of 8 podcast, that curiosity became reality.
The dish headlined a lively and flavour-packed conversation about one of Ghana’s most beloved crops—plantain, known in Ga as ‘amadaa’.
Chef PaJohn, the culinary lead for this episode, took the familiar Kofi Brokeman street favourite and transformed it into a gourmet showpiece.
The result? A layered casserole of sweet plantain and mincemeat, crowned with grilled vegetables and finished with a spicy peanut-butter drizzle—luxurious enough to earn its “Tycoon” title.
Plantain, after all, is one of Ghana’s most versatile and culturally defining crops. From the iconic gɔbɛ (red-red) to the globally adored kelewele, plantain has shaped our cuisine and our identity. Perhaps it truly deserves to be called a tycoon.
As Ghana prepares for the maiden Gastro Feastival this Farmers Day Weekend, the event is quickly becoming more than a food fair—it is a movement.
One that reconnects Ghanaians to the soil, celebrates our culinary heritage, and shines a spotlight on agribusiness as a future of opportunity for young people, creatives, farmers and food entrepreneurs.
The Gastro Feastival comes off December 6–7 at the Palms Convention Centre, La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, bringing together the entire food system for a truly immersive experience.
Leading up to the festival is the Gastro Feastival “Table of 8” podcast series — From Farm to Feast, where each week, a curated panel of farmers, investors, chefs, entrepreneurs, policymakers and food enthusiasts meet to explore innovation, culture and opportunity across the food value chain.
Episode 3, hosted by Enyonam Manye — The Ghanaian Farmer, featured a rich blend of voices:
•Esther Kyerewah Twumasi – Communications, Kosmos Innovation Centre
•Theresa Ayoade – CEO, Charterhouse and Festival Convenor
•Zeenatu Suglo Adams – Lecturer, Ho Polytechnic & CEO, Pneuma Food Scientifics
•Elma Monteiro – Director, Chilli_ji_Indian Restaurant
•Samuel Aggrey – Executive Secretary, Food & Beverage Association of Ghana
•Ebo Eyison – Food Research Institute
•Albert Eliason – Food Entrepreneur
Listeners were also treated to a delightful dessert finale crafted by Chef Joe Tetteh—mini kokor kaklo served atop a tangy tigernut–millet cereal pudding sweet reminder of plantain’s star power.
The GASTRO TABLE OF 8 Podcast is now streaming on Spotify and on CharterhouseLive on YouTube, serving up rich, insightful and delicious conversations every week.
The Gastro Feastival 2025 is gearing up to be a feast of a festival—uniting tradition, creativity, innovation and flavour as Ghana shapes the future of food!
