Gastro Festival promises to be Ghana’s boldest celebration of food, culture, and innovation
What happens when a seasoned farmer discovers a new way to see yam — not as a staple, but as a star ingredient?
That’s exactly what unfolded in Episode 2 of the Gastro Festival “Table of 8” podcast series, where the popular staple, yam, took on a whole new identity.
For Selorm Agudu, Chief Farmer and CEO of Urban Jungle Agro Limited, it was a revelation.
“The conversation that has me looking at yam in a completely untraditional way,” he said — eyes wide with genuine surprise.
After more than a decade leading a team of over 30 experts in sustainable fresh food production across Urban Jungle’s farms in Konkonuru (Eastern Region) and Tafi-Atome (Volta Region), Farmer Selorm thought he had seen it all. But not this.
At the “Table of 8,” yam went beyond the plate — transforming into cocktails, appetisers, entrées, and even dessert. From the mind-blowing ‘Yamarita’ cocktail by mixologists at Front/Back Bar to cheesy yam croquettes with spicy nunum yoghurt dip and grilled dawadawa chicken steak served with roasted yam and sweet potato cubes — each creation pushed the boundaries of Ghanaian cuisine.
The showstopper? A silky yam ice cream, created in collaboration with Chef Quamz, and served with prekese-infused Bioko Treats chocolate shavings. Sweet, smooth, and absolutely unforgettable.
“I never imagined yam could have such huge culinary potential,” Farmer Selorm admitted. “It’s made me want to reimagine all our traditional foods and their possibilities.”
The conversation — moderated by Enyonam Manye (The Ghanaian Farmer) — brought together food innovators including Charity Adupong (Meannan Foods), Kojo Aidoo (Front/Back & The Accra Bar Show), Esther Kyerewaa Twumasi (Kosmos Innovation Centre), and Eric Kofi Afornorpe (HOTCATT), who were equally dazzled by the creativity and taste.
Theresa Ayoade, CEO of Charterhouse Productions and Convener of the Gastro Feastival, shared that the Table of 8 series sets the tone for the festival itself — Ghana’s boldest culinary festival coming this Farmers’ Day weekend (December 5–6, 2025) at The Palms Convention Centre, La Palm Royal Beach Hotel.
“The Gastro Feastival aims to challenge perceptions about local produce and promote value addition within Ghana’s food and agribusiness sectors,” she said.
Each table of 8 episodes celebrates a different crop, tracing its journey from farm to feast — through the eyes of farmers, chefs, entrepreneurs, and policymakers — all gathered around the table at PaJohn’s rooftop kitchen terrace, where the magic (and the meals) comes to life.
Gastro Feastival promises to be Ghana’s boldest celebration of food, culture, and innovation.
So mark your calendars, bring your appetite, and prepare to rediscover Ghana’s culinary heritage — one conversation and one delicious bite at a time.
Save the Date: December 6-7, 2025
At The Palms Convention Centre, La Palm Royal Beach Hotel
To participate or exhibit:
WhatsApp: 0244 697 046 / 0579 180 983
Follow the journey via the Gastro Feastival “Table of 8” podcast on Spotify and also on Charterhouse’s YouTube (CharterhouseLive) and Gastro Feastival on Instagram.
