The inaugural Ghana Food Festival USA took place at the River Front on Rosa Parks Drive in Wilmington, Delaware. The occasion highlighted Ghanaian cuisine, crafts, and culture in the United States.

Jointly organized by First Page Promotions LLC and FJ Logistics LLC, the two-day event which occurred between July 29 & 30 created an opportunity for local and international food vendors to display and market their wares, as well as things like Ghanaian textiles and traditional artifacts.

 “Ghana, like any other country, is host to several cultures who have their identifiable foods, some of which are traditional or festive,” said the organizers in a statement.

“Such foods play many roles in the lives of the people, including tourism. The pounding of Fufu is a spectacle to many foreigners who might have no idea what its preparation entails. Transforming rice into rice balls (Omo Tuo) is one form of rice meal that may not be known to many a foreigner.”

In his speech as the event’s chairman, Rick Hofmann, a Wilmington, Delaware native and the president of the World Amputee Football Federation, praised the organizers for picking the State of Delaware to host the inaugural event. Mr. Hoffman expressed his enthusiasm for Ghanaian culture and his eagerness to sample its cuisine. He urged the event’s visitors to buy things made in Ghana. 

Wilmington’s 57th Mayor, Michael S. Purzycki, in a speech delivered on his behalf welcomed the various companies to the city and offered to welcome Ghanaian-owned companies that want to conduct business in his State. 

A representative from the Embassy of Ghana in Washington D.C., Mr. George Kwasi Bright, extended optimistic regards and best wishes on behalf of Ghana’s Ambassador Her Excellency Hajia Alima Mahama to First Page Productions and everyone celebrating and promoting Ghana at the event. 

Mr. Bright also praised them for their resolve to conduct business in the United States and urged them to keep pushing so they can identify their target market.

According to the organizers, their objectives for the festival included promoting Ghanaian foods in the Diaspora, creating business links for Ghanaian caterers and restaurants, building a network of food industry players, promoting Ghanaian products in the U.S., and creating employment where necessary. 

The event’s audience socialized with Ghanaian celebrities like King Ayisoba, Capada C, King Morgan, and the Akrowa Dance Ensemble. They also engaged in business interactions, networking, local sports, danced to traditional music, and enjoyed a variety of Ghanaian cuisines:

To learn more about the festival, visit its official website at ghanafoodfestivalusa.com

Source: TheAfricanDream.net