Chef Emmanuel Mawuli Dzansi, a Michelin-starred chef and a member of the Ghana Food Movement in collaboration with partners has launched a new food hub designed to train young chefs and promote Ghanaian and West African cuisines globally.
“I am currently involved in a movement. I am particularly excited about this project as we finally have a place to call home. We are building a food education hub to train young individuals in entrepreneurship, hospitality, culinary arts, and innovation in food systems in Ghana. This is a huge project because we have built our first kitchen in the country—for us West Africans—and to push West African food culture globally,” he stated.
The Kitchen will serve as a breeding ground for the next generation of change-makers in food and agriculture across Ghana and West Africa, equipping and supporting them to build careers in gastronomy, product development, hospitality, farming, and the marketing of local climate-resilient crops.
The hub features a fully equipped kitchen, a lab dining space, and a co-working area. It will host food markets, cooking classes, cooking clubs, and a kitchen academy to train young chefs. Additionally, the space will be available for rent for events.
The Ghana Food Movement is the driving force behind The Kitchen. The organization, comprising 200 members—including chefs, food vendors, academics, farmers, influencers, and nutritionists—collaborates to address significant challenges in Ghana’s food system.
The opening of The Kitchen was a resounding success. The event’s MCs, Mr. Abdullah Emmanuel Ekow Smith and Miss Aimee, General Managers of the Ghana Food Movement, expressed gratitude to the sponsors who contributed to its realization.
“We would like to acknowledge our sponsors: the University of Toronto, The Smith and Halal Family, Michael and Primrose, and Tropical for donating the doors,” they said.
Activities that made the opening memorable included the free sharing of food prepared by members of the Ghana Food Movement and community chefs, led by head chef Chef Abiro.
Guests also enjoyed cocktails from Prekese, local drinks, fruits, and roasted plantains from local food vendors. The event featured a workshop and an exhibition displaying Ghana-made products.
The Kitchen is now officially open to the public.
By: Michaella Addai
