Heritage Month to celebrate Ghanaian cuisine and music

THE Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has officially launched this year’s Heritage Month with a strong focus on promoting Ghanaian cuisine and increasing global airplay of Ghanaian music.

As part of the celebrations, the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) will be actively engaged in a nationwide media campaign to encourage radio stations, television networks and event organisers to prioritise Ghanaian music. 

Additionally, there will be the introduction of food bazaars, set to be held annually on March 14, to create a platform to showcase the country’s rich culinary heritage.

Heritage Month is an initiative aimed at raising awareness of Ghana’s cultural legacy among citizens, visitors and tourists. 

Speaking at the official launch which brought together key industry players including arts enthusiasts, hoteliers, tour guide association representatives, the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mrs Maame Efua Houadjeto, emphasised the importance of preserving Ghanaian heritage through food and music.

"Heritage Month is not just a celebration; it is a movement. It is about creating an enduring cultural identity that strengthens our tourism industry. We want every Ghanaian and visitor to leave with a taste of our cuisine and the rhythm of our music in their hearts. 

“Through various activities, including in-person engagements, social media campaigns, film screenings and storytelling sessions, this year’s event seeks to deepen appreciation for Ghanaian traditions," she stated.

In attendance were playwright and CEO of Globe Productions, Latif Abubakar, newly appointed presidential Staffer for the Black Star Experience, Rex Omar and Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, Kofi Okyere Darko(KOD). 

The Heritage Month celebration will feature a variety of events to engage both locals and tourists. Among the highlights is Ghana Music Month, organised by MUSIGA, scheduled for March 2-9, which will amplify Ghanaian music’s influence locally and globally.

The Made in Ghana Rave will take place from Thursday, March 6-8 at AQ3 Centre, Diamond Hills-Kwadaso, while the Akwaaba Festival, a major cultural showcase, will be held at the National Theatre in Accra on the same day. 

Food lovers can look forward to the Taste 68 @ 68 Food Fair at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park (KNMP) from Monday, March 10-14, as well as Ghana Culture Week, which will be held at the same venue.

There will be a special edition on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z on Saturday, March 15, to highlight and celebrate the culture and history of Ga people.

 Additionally, there will be a GOBƐ Festival to celebrate Ghana’s beloved beans and gari dish at the Legon City Mall on Saturday, March 22.

The month-long festivities will climax with the Back to Your Village Food Festival at the forecourt of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) on March 29 and 30.