Chef Gina Abbam-Baidoo wins West African Jollof Battle for Ghana

Chef Gina Abbam-Baidoo, known professionally as Chef Gigi of Gigi’s Kitchen, won the second edition of the Onga West African Jollof Battle held in Accra, Ghana. The competition, timed to coincide with World Jollof Day, featured culinary representatives from five nations: Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.

Abbam-Baidoo secured the victory after first winning Ghana’s national selection contest. At the regional showdown held at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, her dish earned Ghana the US$5,000 grand prize. The final rankings placed Senegal in second and Sierra Leone in third. The event, organized by Onga, aimed to celebrate West African culinary traditions and the diverse interpretations of the region's signature rice dish.