Madam Rafika Yakubu from the Northern Region has won the final of the Maggie Cooking Competition organised in Accra.
The competition formed part of activities marking the 40th anniversary celebrations of Maggi, one of Nestle Ghana Limited’s flagship brand.
The brand as part of it anniversary decided to organise regional cooking competitions for ladies between the ages of 18 and 35.
A contestant was selected from each of the ten regions, to participate in the cooking contest after a successful interview session on local radio stations.
Each region’s contest featured cooking tips and demonstration by a professional chef, a nutrition talk and finally, a two and a half hour cooking competition among the 10 contestants after which a winner was chosen by a panel of three judges.
Contestants cooked assigned starters, main dishes and dessert that they picked out of a mystery basket.
Madam Yakubu, who prepared ‘gari tz and okro stew’ was adjudged the best.
She took home GH₵1,000.00 cash, a maggie hamper and a rice cooker.
All other contestants received a hamper and rice cooker.
A Nutritionist, Madam Deda Ogum Alangea of the School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon who gave a talk on the benefit of eating nutritious diets said “what you eat determines your health”.
She advised people not to take advantage of the festivities to eat anyhow but to ensure that that they consumed balanced diets in their right proportions and ensure that they drink more water, take in less sugar, eat breakfast, fruits and vegetables, exercise and have enough rest.