Able Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, at the weekend joined Madam Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, Member of Parliament for La Dade Kotopon, to celebrate the Homowo festival with a vibrant Kpokpoi cooking competition, aimed at preserving Ghana’s cultural heritage.
The minister commended the MP for spearheading the initiative, describing it as a vital step toward preserving indigenous knowledge and passing it on to future generations.
She emphasised 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. We must make conscious efforts to pass on our language, food, and traditions to the next generation. UNESCO recognised the beauty of cultural diversity, but if we fail to pass it on, it can become extinct,” she said.
Referencing the International Mother Language Day, Madam Gomashie encouraged Ghanaians to embrace and speak their native languages regardless of educational or social status, stressing that “language is a cornerstone of identity.”
She praised the collaborative spirit between parliamentarians in promoting cultural initiatives, highlighting Madam Sowah’s consistent support.
The tourism minister took the opportunity to announce the upcoming Afro Gastro Festival, to be organised by the Ministry on October 15, 2025, saying, 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.
Madam Sowah, on her part, assured her constituents of an even bigger celebration next year, saying that more sponsors were expected to support the competition.
She pledged to involve the Ministry in future editions of the Homowo Kpokpoi Cooking Competition.
Held in the heart of the La community, the event brought together nine cooking groups who showcased their culinary skills by preparing kpokpoi, the traditional Ga dish for the Homowo Festival.
All participants received cash prizes, assorted cooking utensils, and special packages from the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel.
The Homowo Kpokpoi Cooking Competition drew a large and enthusiastic crowd, including traditional leaders, youth groups, resident
