Back to Your Village Food Festival is more than yummy

You know that feeling when you want someone else to share your experience? It could be out of curiosity.

I felt that way when I decided to cover the popular Back to Your Village Food Festival in Accra.

I chose Robert Stilson, a final-year student at UNIMAC (formerly GIJ), for this task. I met him after receiving a strange letter two months ago. A young man introduced himself as a fourth-year journalism student. His lecturer, Miss Juliana Essikado, asked him to contact me for a group project. I love helping young learners, so I was happy to assist.

Within two weeks of that email, I met with the students. I shared what I could to help their project. Since then, Robert and I have kept in touch. When the chance arose for someone to write my column, I chose him. Isn’t he brilliant? Enjoy!

The air in Accra is filled with the aroma of sizzling grills and spicy stews. Food lovers gather for the much-anticipated Accra Food Festival. This event attracts vendors and visitors from across Ghana. It showcases our diverse culinary heritage, blending traditional flavors with modern innovations.

Under large white tents, vendors display various local and continental dishes. From jollof rice and banku with tilapia to many other meals, there’s something for everyone. Brightly colored banners and energetic sellers create a vibrant atmosphere. Brands like Gino set up engaging stands to attract visitors.

A highlight of the festival is the variety of locally crafted drinks available. Vendors serve refreshing beverages like sobolo (hibiscus tea) and fresh coconut juice. They also offer pito (fermented millet drink) and other traditional refreshments. Stalls adorned with African prints showcase bottled drinks and freshly made options.

“People love natural drinks,” says vendor Samira Agyemang. “This festival is great for introducing organic options.” Beyond food, the festival serves as a cultural hub for chefs and food enthusiasts alike. “This event celebrates our food identity and promotes local businesses,” says Nana Afia Mensah, who specializes in organic spices.

A new section showcases food vendors working behind the scenes for large crowds. Under organized tents, teams dressed in green uniforms prepare meals efficiently. Large cooking pots and neatly arranged trays highlight their operations' scale. Families gather around communal tables enjoying freshly prepared dishes while vendors hustle to meet demand.

Amidst all this excitement, I indulged in waakye—a beloved Ghanaian dish made of rice and beans topped with shito (spicy black pepper sauce). As I savored each bite, I met new friends enjoying kenkey with grilled fish and spicy pepper sauce together.

As sunset approached, eager food lovers crowded the festival grounds again. The second half buzzed with people weaving through packed walkways holding delicious plates while live music kept energy high.

Attendees danced, chatted, and shared experiences throughout the event's lively atmosphere. Live cooking demonstrations entertained audiences alongside food-tasting contests and chef interactions too! Many attendees captured moments on their phones eager to share online.

Traditional drumming mixed with Afrobeats provided an upbeat backdrop enhancing the festive mood further! For many attendees at Channel One’s Citi FM Back to Your Village Food Festival—it's not just about culinary delights but economic opportunities too!

Small-scale businesses gain exposure while brands engage consumers effectively here! “It’s a win-win for both vendors and food lovers,” says Kwame Asiedu—a food blogger attending this exciting event!

With hundreds attending amidst an active community vibe—the festival proves once again that Ghana’s food scene celebrates culture alongside innovation! Thus sayeth Robert Stilson: There is hope for Ghana!