GA KENKEY – Food is essential, and it translates to our way of life and identity. Just as different clothes signify different things, the foods we eat also transmit a meaning which varies from culture to culture.
People connect to their cultural or ethnic group through food patterns. People from different cultural backgrounds eat different kinds of foods.
The area in which families live and where their ancestors originated influence food likes and dislikes.
Ghanaian traditional dish Kenkey called “Otim” in Ga is one of Ghana’s popular meals, and it originates from the Ga people of Greater Accra. It is made from fermented white corn, wrapped in dried maize husk, and steamed. It is mostly served with spicy pepper and fried fish.
Before Gordon Guggisberg became Governor of the Gold Coast, the corn dough used to make Otim was grounded between two stones known as Stone mill. Guggisberg later introduced the use of the corn mill machine.
Kenkey (Otim) is eaten in various parts of the country and can be eaten with any sauce or soup.
As food forms part of the culture of a group of people, Kenkey or Otim when mentioned gives an identity to the Ga people.
Kenkey is one of the popular delicacies in Ghana because it is very affordable for all classes of people, very satisfying, keeps one strong and full for a long period.
It is a simple choice of a dish that can serve a large number of people. One only needs as low as 5 cedis to get a plate of kenkey and fish.