The Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, joined the Member of Parliament for La Dade Kotopon, Mrs. 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, Madam Gomashie praised the initiative spearheaded by her colleague MP, describing it as an important step toward preserving indigenous knowledge and passing it on to future generations.
She emphasized the need to safeguard Ghanaian traditions, particularly language and food, as a way of maintaining a strong cultural identity.
“Culture is the soul of the people. We must make conscious efforts to pass on our language, food, and traditions to the next generation,” she noted.
The Minister further encouraged Ghanaians to embrace and speak their native languages regardless of educational or social status, stressing that language is a cornerstone of identity and citing International Mother Language Day as a reminder.
She also commended the collaborative spirit among parliamentarians in promoting cultural initiatives, highlighting the consistent support of Mrs. Naa Odoley Sowah.
Madam Gomashie used the occasion to announce the upcoming Afro Gastro Festival, to be organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts on October 15, 2025.
She explained that the festival will celebrate Africa’s rich culinary heritage while fostering cultural exchange through food.
“This festival will allow us to learn and appreciate the rich variety of African dishes and connect through our shared culinary traditions,” she added.
Mrs. 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 central to the Homowo celebration.
All participants received cash prizes, assorted cooking utensils, and special packages from La Palm Royal Beach Hotel.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
