The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, and its subvented agencies, successfully launched the Mini Gastronomy (Second Edition) for the Eastern Region in Kenema. The event brought together key stakeholders from the tourism sector, government representatives, and local authorities to celebrate Sierra Leone’s rich culinary heritage and promote sustainable tourism. The occasion also served as a platform to highlight the upcoming One Nation Reggae Festival, emphasizing its role in showcasing Sierra Leone’s diverse cultural expressions.
Representing the Resident Minister Eastern Region, Mr. Joseph O. Dauda thanked the Ministry and its team for selecting Kenema to host the event and assured them of the region’s full support and hospitality. Similarly, a representative of the Kenema District Council Chairperson, Madam Fatmata Yanka, commended the Ministry for bringing development-oriented programs to Kenema. She reaffirmed the Council’s support, describing the Mini Gastronomy event as a valuable opportunity for the district to benefit from tourism-driven growth and cultural exposure.
The Permanent Secretary, Madam Judith C. Jones, together with the Director of Tourism, Travel and Exchange Programs, Mohamed Jalloh, and the Director of Culture, Creativity and Innovation, Foday Jalloh, jointly underscored the significance of the event as a preparatory step toward Sierra Leone’s hosting of the UN Tourism Gastronomy Forum 2026. They emphasized that such initiatives not only enhance the country’s image but also contribute to employment creation, human capacity building, and revenue generation, in line with the Government’s Big Five agenda. They commended the leadership of the Minister, Nabeela Farida Tunis, for her transformative initiatives including Tourism for All Campaign initiative, Women in Tourism, Year of Ecotourism, UN Gastronomy, and the One Nation Reggae Festival, which continue to elevate Sierra Leone’s tourism industry.
Delivering her keynote address, the Hon. Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, expressed deep appreciation to the Ministry’s staff, subvented agencies, the Chef Association, and the people of Kenema for their support and collaboration. She conveyed greetings from His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing a private sector led tourism industry. Minister Tunis emphasized that the Mini Gastronomy event celebrates Sierra Leone’s food, culture, and creativity while empowering women in the culinary field. She officially launched the Mini Gastronomy (Second Edition) Eastern Region Kenema, describing it as a key milestone toward the hosting of the Third UN Tourism Gastronomy Forum 2026 in Sierra Leone.
The event climaxed with a food tasting exhibition featuring unique Sierra Leonean cuisines prepared by chefs from the Eastern Region. Guests savored a variety of traditional dishes, as the chefs explained the ingredients used, their nutritional values, and the cultural significance of each delicacy. The segmen
t showcased Sierra Leone’s culinary richness and promoted local food appreciation as an integral part of tourism development.
In her closing remarks, the General Manager of the National Tourist Board, Madam Fatmata Mida Carew, thanked the Hon. Minister, the Ministry’s staff, the Chef Association, and the people of Kenema for their participation and hospitality. She noted that the success of the Mini Gastronomy (Second Edition) demonstrates the strength of collaboration within the tourism sector and sets the stage for Sierra Leone’s hosting of the UN Tourism Gastronomy Forum 2026
MTCA Communications.
