WAFFEST 2024: GTCA wins gold for Ghana, calls on government to invest in local dishes

Members of the Ghana Traditional Caterers Association have appealed to the government of Ghana to invest in and promote the patronage of Ghana's local dishes to the international community.

The president of the association, Nana Kwasi Owusu Edusei made the appeal in Kumasi, during the presentation of a gold medal won from the 2024 WAFFEST competition.

The 2024 edition of the West Africa Food Festival (WAFFEST), which took place in Togo, saw the Ghana Traditional Caterers Association emerge as the overall winner.

The cooking and display of rich African cuisine dishes were competed among countries like Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, Liberia, Togo, etc.

Sheila Naa-Ayeeley Annan, the leader of the Ghanaian team in an interview revealed that foods like Apapransa, Mpotompoto, Emotuo, Eto, etc were cooked and displayed during the contest.

According to her, within 30 minutes, all the traditional foods prepared by Ghanaians were consumed amid calls from various participating countries for more.

She said that winning gold in the competition has not only made Ghana the best cook but has also projected the country's image.

Sheila Annan further urged the government to invest more in local dishes to attract more international recognition so that people can patronize them just as Ghanaians are doing to other foreign dishes.

Nana Kwasi Owusu Edusei, after receiving the medal, congratulated the team for putting up such an outstanding performance.

He also emphasised the earlier call on the government to lead in the promotion of local foods and cuisine.

According to him, consumption of our local foods will boost the national economy and the health of Ghanaians.

He further disclosed what the association intends to do to train and sensitize members to join the group.