World Tuozafi Festival: Chef Failatu ignites cultural pride, promotes Northern cuisine

Executive Chef Failatu Abdul-Razak has launched the maiden edition of the World Tuozafi Festival in Tamale to highlight the cultural significance and nutritional value of Tuo Zaafi as a staple cuisine in Northern Ghana.

Tuo Zaafi, widely consumed among the people of Northern Ghana, is prepared mainly from maize flour or millet flour.

The process involves boiling water and gradually adding the flour while stirring continuously to achieve a smooth, thick substance.

The mixture is then kneaded with a wooden ladle until it becomes soft, stretchy, and uniform.

The dish is typically served with a variety of soups including ayoyo, okro soup or groundnut soup, often accompanied by chicken, beef, mutton, chevon, fish or dawadawa for enhanced flavour.

Traditionally, Tuo Zaafi is eaten by hand where a small portion is moulded into a ball, dipped into soup and swallowed, making it both convenient and deeply rooted in communal dining practices.

It is a healthy and energy-giving meal, rich in carbohydrates that provide energy for daily activities.

Chef Failatu Abdul-Razak, known for her attempt at the Guinness World Record cookathon race in 2024, speaking during the launch, described Tuo Zaafi as more than just food, emphasising its role in shaping identity and unity among the people of Northern Ghana.

She said “Today is a special day. It is a day of pride, culture, and a celebration of who we are as people. Tuo Zaafi is not just food; it is our identity. It tells our story and brings families together.”

She expressed concern over the increasing preference for foreign dishes among the youth and urged a renewed appreciation for local foods.

She said “Our traditional foods are rich, healthy and full of history. This festival is here to remind us of the beauty and value of our own food and to inspire the youth to embrace it with pride.”

Chef Failatu announced that the festival would become an annual event and grow into a major homecoming for Northern Ghanaians both home and abroad.

She said the initiative would also promote tourism by showcasing the rich traditions, cuisine, music, and lifestyle of the Northern Region to the world.

Chef Failatu expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama and First Lady Lordina Mahama for championing Northern culture including the promotion of fugu globally as well as to the Overlord of Dagbon, Ya Naa Abukari II, for endorsing the initiative.

Ali Adolf John, Northern Regional Minister, in an address, underscored the importance of promoting indigenous cuisine as a catalyst for cultural unity, tourism development, and economic empowerment.

He said “This festival is not just about food; it is about celebrating who we are as people. Tuo Zaafi is deeply rooted in our traditions and continues to serve as a symbol of unity across communities.”

He described the initiative as timely and visionary, adding that indigenous foods represented more than nourishment as they embodied the history, identity, and unity of the people.

John emphasised the Government’s commitment to leveraging cultural assets to drive development, emphasizing that platforms such as the World Tuozafi Festival could significantly enhance the Northern Region’s appeal as a cultural tourism destination.

He highlighted the economic potential of the culinary industry and encouraged the youth to explore opportunities within the sector including food innovation, agribusiness, and hospitality.

The event featured activities such as live cooking exhibitions, cultural performances, and exhibitions of local agricultural produce, all aimed at celebrating the uniqueness of Ghanaian cuisine while fostering cultural exchange.