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Queen of the Kitchen meets King of Spices: Nana Ama McBrown and Deedew Spices take Ghanaian cuisine global
A new wave of taste and flavour is hitting Ghana’s kitchens following the ambassadorial partnership between Deedew Spices, produced and manufactured by Bloomway Industries, a food company aiming to elevate everyday meals with its tasty spice blends and celebrated screen icon, Nana Ama McBrown.
Recognizing the vast potential of the nation’s culinary space, the move seeks to not only tantalise taste buds and promote healthy living but also contribute to the country’s booming hospitality industry.
“We know Ghana boasts of an abundance of spices. But we believe everyone deserves to experience the true richness and depth of taste and flavour they offer. That’s why we use only real spice ingredients, carefully sourced and blended to create unique taste profiles that capture the essence of Ghanaian cooking,” Willam Achaempong, Resource and Optimisation [Finance] Manager of the 200-plus-employee-strong company said during a ceremony to formalise the partnership.
He added that the choice of Nana Ama McBrown as its brand ambassador was a demonstration of Deedew Spices’ understanding of the power of community. “This partnership with iconic actress Nana Ama McBrown, a household name synonymous with warmth, authenticity, and culinary expertise not only strengthens Deedew’s connection to our roots but also leverages McBrown’s extensive audience and influence to reach a wider audience and celebrate the cultural significance of food,” he added.
This comes as Ghana’s food sector is projected to grow at an annual rate of 8.4 percent between 2024 and 2028. This surge is driven by several factors, including a growing middle class with an appetite for new flavours, a tourism industry hungry for authentic experiences, and a global fascination with African cuisine.
“Deedew Spices will capitalise on this trend by offering a convenient, tasty and flavorful way to explore the depths of Ghanaian cuisine, both at home and abroad,” Mr. Acheampong added.
On her part, Nana Ama McBrown said the strategic partnership was not a rushed one but had been years in the offing. She added that being mindful of her position and range of influence, she approached partnerships with extra caution. She was selective, ensuring collaborations aligned with her values and maintained her professional image but more importantly, consumer well-being and was confident that Deedew Spices had ticked all the right boxes.
“I’m thrilled to be partnering with Deedew Spices. Food is more than just sustenance; it’s a way to connect with our culture and share moments of joy with loved ones. Deedew’s dedication to using natural ingredients and capturing the true essence of Ghanaian flavors and taste resonates deeply with me,” she said, adding that emphasis will be placed on healthy eating during the campaign.
Touching on the potential impact for tourism she also said, “Imagine tourists returning home not just with souvenirs, but also with the ability to recreate authentic Ghanaian dishes in their kitchens, fueled by Deedew’s vibrant spice blends.”
Nana Ama McBrown’s association with Deedew goes beyond simply lending her name. She will be actively involved in promoting the brand through various initiatives, including social media campaigns, recipe demonstrations, and even exclusive collaborations. Patrons can expect to see the icon showcasing her culinary skills using Deedew spices, offering viewers a glimpse into her personal favorites and kitchen tips.
Deedew currently offers various distinct blends: Stew, Jollof, Curry, Noodles, and All-Purpose, available in multiple sizes to cater to individual and family needs, with a particular emphasis on commercial scale food vendors. Each blend is meticulously crafted to complement specific dishes, ensuring an explosion of flavour in every bite.
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Prof. Mike Oquaye accuses gov’t of ‘secret trial’ of Chief Justice
Former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, has criticised the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) over what he described as the mishandling of the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo.
He is unhappy with the constitutional provision requiring the hearing of the Chief Justice’s case to be held in-camera.
“I am concerned about certain issues that I consider vital, particularly the trial in-camera provision. You will ask yourself what the rationale is for that provision in our constitution, what is its purpose, and if we are to give it a purposeful interpretation, where shall we go? The purpose is it to benefit the people of Ghana as a whole, that the Chief Justice must be trial in-camera…”
He added, “From the very beginning, the constitution tells us justice belongs to the people, it emanates from the people, justice belongs to all of us people, one may say that this provision could be advarance to the one that says trial must be done in-camera.” he said in an exclusive interview with JoyNews.
Prof. Oquaye also raised concerns about the transparency and integrity of the process.
He argued that the judiciary must be insulated from political interference, adding that the current handling of the matter risks eroding confidence in the rule of law.
The Chief Justice was recently suspended following allegations of misconduct, after which a formal petition was submitted to President John Mahama, prompting the formation of a committee to investigate the matter.
The proceedings, however, have largely been conducted in-camera, drawing criticism from sections of the public and some legal minds.
While the NDC government maintains that the suspension was carried out in accordance with constitutional provisions, Prof. Quaye argues that the secrecy surrounding the process undermines the principles of accountability and due process.
Source:Myjoyonline.com
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Committee on Roads and Transport engages Transport Ministry
The Parliamentary Select Committee on Roads and Transport has paid a familiarization visit to the Ministry of Transport and its agencies to perform its legislative oversight and foster collaboration in Ghana’s transport sector.
The visit by the 17-member Committee led by its Chairman, Isaac Adjei Mensah, who is also the Member of Parliament for the Wassa East Constituency in the Western Region, was aimed at getting updates on ongoing projects and foster direct dialogue with agencies under the Ministry’s purview.
The Chairman of the committee described the visit as “a strategic and symbolic gesture” and emphasized the importance of direct engagement with sector leadership to enable informed legislative support.
The Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe outlined some reforms including a framework to regularize commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada by lowering the minimum rider age from 25 years to 21 years, which is near completion and will soon be presented to Parliament.
He also mentioned the reviving of Ghana’s national carrier via a public-private partnership, upgrading airport infrastructure, studying coastal routes to ease road congestion, opening a new DVLA branch in Adenta, and upgrading the Ghana Civil Aviation Training Academy.
The minister also disclosed that the ministry is in the process of procuring new buses for Metro Mass and STC.
The other Members of the visiting Committee were Chiwitey Dari Andrew, Vice Chairperson and MP for Sawla/Tuna/Kalba; Osei Nyarko Kennedy, MP for Akim Swedru and the Ranking Member; Francis Asenso-Boakye, MP for Bantama; Frimpong Kwame Ohene, MP for Asante Akim North; Cudjoe Doyoe Comfort, Ada MP; Marfo Ahenkorah Kofi, MP for Achiase; Mahama Toure Naser, Ayawaso East MP; Ziedeng Anwataazumo Bede, MP for Lawra and Mubarak Seid, MP for Sunyani East.
The Committee also visited the Civil Aviation Authority and the Civil Aviation Training Centre to be acquainted with its functions and operations.
