On December 2, 2023, the 3rd African Food and Culture Festival (AFF) transformed Bunso Eco Park into a vibrant hub of cultural exchange and culinary delight. This year’s festival brought together embassies from Zambia, Suriname, and Angola, creating a unique opportunity for attendees to experience the rich traditions and flavours of these diverse countries.
A Day of Festivity and Cultural Exchange
Despite a delayed start, the event commenced with heartfelt prayers and opening remarks from notable dignitaries, including the Manager of Bunso Eco Park, Mr. Frimpong, and the Ambassador of Suriname, H.E. Fidelia. The Ambassador of Suriname set the tone with a stirring speech and a traditional Surinamese song, urging for greater cultural exchanges to strengthen ties with Africa.
The embassies showcased an array of traditional dishes that tantalized the taste buds of over 50 youths and other attendees. From Suriname, festival-goers enjoyed Moksalesie, Her her, Nasi, and the refreshing Gemberbier. Angola impressed with Calulu, Kizaca (Cassava leaf stew), funge, mufete, and chicken. Cultural performances, particularly the Awasa dance of Suriname, captivated the audience, leaving a lasting impression.
Overcoming Challenges
The festival faced several challenges, including delayed funding, inadequate advertisement, and communication gaps among organizers. These issues impacted ticket sales and limited the event’s reach, particularly in Accra. Additionally, the absence of the Ministry of Tourism’s active involvement hindered embassy participation.
Looking Forward
To ensure future success, the AFF team proposed several solutions:
- Early Funding: Securing funds at the beginning of the year.
- Event Scheduling: Holding the festival on both December 1st and 2nd to maximize revenue.
- Cost Management: Clearly outlining and managing essential service costs.
- Enhanced Advertisement: Allocating sufficient budget for social media promotion, especially targeting Accra.
- Tourism Partnerships: Strengthening collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism to boost credibility and participation.
- Support for Interns: Providing transportation allowances for interns.
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