A leading seasoner and a key ingredient in jollof preparation, Maggi over the weekend was the official stock tablet for the 2017 edition of Ghana Tourism Authority Jollof Festival held at Legon Botanical Gardens, Accra.

Celebrating 60 years of good food, good life, Nestlé producer of Maggi partnered with Ghana Tourism Authority in organising what seemed to be an exciting food exhibition 'GTA Jollof Festival' in their 'Eat Ghana' month, an initiative to promote domestic dishes.

The event was a healthy jollof competition between four African countries namely Ghana, Nigeria, Gambia and Senegal. Gambia which didn't seem popular with jollof rice preparation came first, followed by Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal placing fourth.

There was CEOs jollof challenge and a regional jollof competition to find out which region prepares the best jollof rice. The festival saw some food vendors displaying their products and making some sales.

The GTA Jollof Festival was the climax for the month long event, 'Eat Ghana'.

Speaking with Akwesi Agyeman CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority, he stated that the sector is embarking on a campaign dubbed 'Eat Ghana, See Ghana, Feel Ghana and Wear Ghana' specifically to promote domestic tourism. According to him these events have been outlined in order to market Ghana to its citizens and foreign nationals.

He said this campaign is to sensitise Ghanaians to experience their own country that is to feel Ghana which includes their music, movies and the various cultures. The campaign will also encourage people to patronise Ghanaian fashion and tourist sites. This he said will drive small scale businesses in the sector.

He also hinted there are over 20 tourism ambassadors to be announced to join the likes of Abeiku Santa and Abraham Atta.

Chef Joe Wilson-Tetteh, Vice president of Chef Association of Ghana also stated that the role of a chef in tourism can never be under emphasised, in that food plays a key role in a country's tourism.