Akim Oda, Mar. 29, GNA - A two-day "MAGGI" food festival has ended at Akim Oda with a call on caterers to actively explore ways of breaking into foreign market to help promote the country's rich culture. Dr. Grace Bediako, Government Statistician, who made the call said food was one of the essential element of a people's culture which could be easily marketed.

She was speaking at a food festival at Akim Oda at the weekend, orgaised by the Akim Oda Citizens Union in Accra and sponsored by the Nestle Company Limited, manufacturers of the MAGGI food flavour additive.

Dr Bediako, who is also the president of the Akim Oda Citizens Union in Accra, said some countries had been successful in exporting their culture the world over, adding, "no matter where in the world one finds him or herself, one will come across Chinese, French and Italian foods to mention a few."

Other co-sponsors of the programme, which showcased different kinds of Ghanaian dishes were Accra Brewery, DOMOD Aluminum, Department of National Lotteries, Tractor and Equipment and CCS Travel Plus. In a message, Mrs. Nana Essifuah Dzogbenuku, Group Branch Manager- Foods, MAGGI, appealed to young women to become more interested in the act of preparing traditional dishes in order "to keep them alive for up coming generations."

She said MAGGI had been associated with the Republic Day lunch for senior citizens at Akim Oda for two consecutive years and was optimistic that the food festival would sow a seed of harmony among all citizens of Akim Kotoku.

The Queen of the Akim Kotoku Traditional Area, Nana Akua Asantewaa, III, urged members of traditional caterers association to always ensure hygienic practices at their work restaurants and chop-bars to help promote good health.

The Birim South District Chief Executive, Mr Yaw Amprofi, appealed to Ghanaians not to shun their cultural heritage but to be proud of it.