Embrace traditional food as means to preserve our culture, heritage – Ghanaians urged
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Embrace traditional food as means to preserve our culture, heritage – Ghanaians urged
Ghanaians have been encouraged to help preserve the country’s cultural heritage in a time marked by technology and information.
One of the ways this could be achieved is through the preservation of authentic Ghanaian dishes.
The Greater Accra Regional Director of the Centre for National Culture, Eric Ohene-Larbi, who made the call, described food as an important aspect of any people’s culture, and a powerful way to connect with both the past and the present.
“In today’s digital and modern era, it is more important than ever to preserve our cultural traditions. With so much access to information and entertainment from all over the world, it is easy to lose touch with our own roots,” he said.
Mr Ohene-Larbi was speaking at the AdMA HOMOFEST Cooking Competition held on Friday, September 6, 2024, in Accra.
The event, a celebration of rich Ghanaian culinary heritage, was organised by the Adentan Municipal Assembly (AdMA), in collaboration with the Centre for National Culture.
It was also to serve as a testament to the skills that have been passed down through generations and showcase the vibrant flavours that make up the tapestry of Ghanaian culture.
Food and technology
Mr Ohene-Larbi said even though technology had brought unprecedented convenience, it had also, in some ways, disconnected Ghanaians from their culinary roots because many people today were more familiar with fast food and global cuisine than the dishes that had been part of their heritage for generations.
He further stated that embracing modern methods and technologies in the kitchen did not have to mean abandoning traditional dishes.
Rather, he said they should provide an opportunity to enhance and refine cooking skills, helping people to cook more efficiently and effectively.
Significance
Mr Ohene-Larbi added that “each dish tells a story of the ingredients that flourish in the land, the techniques that have been refined over centuries, and the love and care that goes into preparing a meal for families and communities”.
“The flavours of our traditional dishes are a source of pride and connection for us.
“They remind us of the warmth of family gatherings, the joy of celebrating special occasions, and the comfort of home-cooked meals. These flavours are a part of our cultural DNA, and they deserve to be cherished and preserved,” he stressed.
Togetherness
The Adentan Municipal Cultural Officer, Patricia Oppong Agyeman Tufuor, highlighted the significant role food played in bringing people together and uniting communities; something she said had become paramount since the country was heading towards elections soon.
“Food brings people together. This gathering emphasises our cultural heritage and the importance of unity through shared meals. It fosters unity, which brings together political leaders, market women, and local contestants and seeks to create a peaceful atmosphere as the nation approaches an election year,” she said.
Mrs Agyeman Tufuor also described the event as an inspiring initiative aimed at revitalising Ga traditional cuisine, placing a spotlight on lesser-known dishes and creating economic opportunities for caterers.
Source: graphic.com.gh
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