Tamale Executive Chef, Failatu Abdul-Razak, has hosted the maiden edition of the World Tuo Zaafi Festival in Tamale, Northern Region.
The festival brought together people from the five northern regions to showcase their traditions, culture and heritage, where more than 1,000 participants were served Tuo Zaafi with a variety of locally prepared soups from across the North.
According to Chef Abdul-Razak, Tuo Zaafi is the identity of the people of the North.
“Tuo Zaafi is not just food. It is our identity. It tells our story. It brings families together. It represents the strength and unity of Northern Ghana. The World Tuo Zaafi Festival is important. It reminds us of the beauty and value of our food and inspires the youth to embrace Tuo Zaafi and other local dishes with pride,” she said.
She disclosed that traditional foods are rich, healthy and full of history, and urged Ghanaians to patronise them. “In recent years, we have seen a growing trend where many young people develop a strong interest in intercontinental dishes. This is good for exposure, but we must not forget our roots. We must not neglect our local dishes. Our traditional foods are rich, healthy, and full of history,” she noted.
Chef Abdul-Razak revealed that the World Tuo Zaafi Festival will be held annually.
The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John, lauded Failatu Abdul-Razak for the initiative, saying it places the North on the global stage. He reiterated the government’s commitment to leveraging cultural assets for development, and said platforms such as the World Tuo Zaafi Festival can significantly enhance the Northern Region’s appeal as a cultural tourism destination.
