The Department of Ecotourism, Recreation and Hospitality at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), in collaboration with the International Relations Office (IRO), held the 2026 Food Festival on Thursday, July 30,2026 at the RCEES Car Park under the theme, “Local Industry, Global Futures: Youth Mobility and International Partnership,”. The festival provided an experiential learning platform and cultural showcase, featuring indigenous Ghanaian delicacies alongside cuisines from other African countries, including Kenya and Sierra Leone.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. John K. M. Kuwornu, commended the Department and the International Relations Office for creating an avenue that celebrates innovation, culture and international collaboration. He noted that the festival demonstrates the practical application of academic training by Level 300 students and reflects the University’s commitment to producing graduates with global perspectives and entrepreneurial skills.
Prof. Kuwornu stated that the event showcased the richness of local heritage while exposing students to international cultures through food. He added that supporting such initiatives encourages innovation and prepares students to become future leaders in the hospitality and tourism industries.
Outlining the significance of the event, the Head of the Department of Ecotourism, Recreation and Hospitality, Dr. Wireko Gyebi, highlighted the long standing tradition of the festival. He explained that the department has consistently organized the event over the past eight years as a practical training exercise for Level 300 students.
According to Dr. Gyebi, the initiative bridges the gap between classroom instruction and real world entrepreneurial practice by providing students with hands on experience in food production, marketing, customer service and business management. He further noted that this year’s collaboration with the International Relations Office expanded the scope of the festival to include international cuisines, thereby enriching students’ exposure to diverse cultures and culinary traditions.
The Dean of the International Relations Office, Prof. Amos Kabo-Bah, underscored the importance of internationalization and institutional visibility in higher education. He explained that the collaboration aligns with the University’s broader strategy of showcasing its strengths while creating opportunities for international engagement and student mobility.
Prof. Kabo-Bah noted that the partnership reflects the University’s commitment to promoting its academic and cultural strengths while creating platforms for students to engage with global opportunities. He added that beyond the culinary exhibitions, the event featured innovation displays, technology showcases and information on international exchange and mobility programmes.
The festival attracted students, staff and invited guests who explored a variety of food exhibitions, cultural displays, and entrepreneurial ventures developed by students. The event not only celebrated cultural diversity through cuisine but also highlighted the creativity and talents of UENR students beyond their academic pursuits.
From impressive runway displays by student models to captivating artistic performances, participants demonstrated confidence, creativity and cross cultural appreciation. The talent show provided one of the major highlights of the festival, bringing excitement and energy to the celebration while reinforcing the theme of youth mobility and international partnership.
