Back to Your Village Food Festival is more than yummy
You know that feeling when you want someone else to capture and express an experience that you were supposed to. It could be out of sheer curiosity.
I got into that shoe when I decided to cover the ever-popular Back to Your Village Food Festival, which just ended in Accra.
Final year student of UNIMAC (formerly GIJ), Robert Stilson, was the fellow I settled on when I wanted a proxy report on this yummy annual event. How did I meet him? Two months ago, a strange letter arrived in my inbox.
A young man introduced himself as a fourth-year journalism student. Their Lecturer, Miss Juliana Essikado, has asked them to contact me to facilitate a group project in their Journalism and the Arts Class. Touching the lives of young learners thrills me.
OK. How can I serve?
Within two weeks of that email, I met with these lively students and shared what I could to assist their project. Since then, Robert Stilson and I have been in touch. So, when the chance came to give someone the chance to enter my column, I fell on this student journalist. Isn’t he brilliant?
Enjoy!
The air in Accra is filled with the rich aroma of sizzling grills, spicy stews and freshly baked goodies as food lovers gather for the much-anticipated Accra Food Festival. The event, which has drawn vendors and revellers from across the country, showcases Ghana’s diverse culinary heritage, blending traditional flavours with modern innovations.
Under large white tents, vendors proudly display a variety of local and continental dishes. From the popular jollof rice and banku with tilapia to varieties of meals, the festival offers something for every palate. Brightly colored banners and energetic sellers add to the vibrant atmosphere, with brands like Gino setting up engaging stands to attract visitors.
A significant highlight of the festival is the variety of locally crafted drinks available. Vendors energetically serve refreshing beverages such as sobolo (hibiscus tea), fresh coconut juice, pito (fermented millet drink), and other traditional refreshments. Stalls adorned with African prints showcase bottled and freshly made drinks, offering festival-goers a taste of Ghana’s rich beverage culture.
“People love natural drinks and this festival is a great place to introduce them to more organic options,” says Samira Agyemang, a vendor specialising in homemade juices.
Beyond the food, the festival serves as a cultural hub, bringing together chefs, food enthusiasts, and entrepreneurs. “This event is more than just about eating; it’s about celebrating our food identity and promoting local businesses,” says Nana Afia Mensah, a vendor specialising in organic Ghanaian spices.
A newly added section of the festival showcases food vendors working behind the scenes to serve the large crowds. Under well-organised tents, food service teams, dressed in green uniforms and yellow aprons, are busy preparing meals with precision. Large cooking pots, neatly arranged food trays, and stacks of disposable plates highlight the scale of operations. Families gather around communal tables, enjoying freshly prepared dishes while vendors continue their hustle to meet demand.
Amidst the festivities, I had my culinary adventure, indulging in a plate of waakye, a beloved Ghanaian dish made of rice and beans, topped with shito (spicy black pepper sauce), fried plantain, spaghetti and meat stew. As I savoured each bite, I met new friends who were enjoying their plates of kenkey with grilled fish and spicy pepper sauce. The festival truly brought people together, creating shared moments over delicious food.
As the sun sets, the festival grounds remain crowded with eager food lovers. The second half of the event is alive with people weaving through packed walkways, clutching plates of delicious meals while live music keeps the energy high. Attendees, including families and groups of friends, can be seen dancing, chatting, and sharing their experiences.
Live cooking demonstrations, food-tasting contests, and interactive sessions with chefs keep the audience entertained. Many attendees are seen capturing moments on their phones, eager to share their experiences online. A mix of traditional drumming and Afrobeats provides a rhythmic backdrop, enhancing the lively mood of the festival.
For many, the Channel One and Citi FM Back to Your Village Food Festival is not just a culinary experience but also an economic opportunity. Small-scale food businesses gain exposure, while food brands leverage the event to engage with consumers. “It’s a win-win for both vendors and food lovers,” says Kwame Asiedu, a food blogger attending the event.
With hundreds in attendance and an active community atmosphere, the festival proves once again that Ghana’s food scene is not just about the feast but also about its celebration of culture and innovation.
Thus sayest Robert Stilson.
There is hope for Ghana!
Kofi.akpabli@gmail.com
