Ghana has reclaimed the title of regional jollof champion at the second edition of the Onga Jollof Battle – West African Edition.
Chef Gina Abbam-Baidoo, popularly known as Chef Gigi and the force behind Gigi’s Kitchen, emerged victorious on August 22, 2026, defeating representatives from Nigeria, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone.
The competition, staged at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra and timed to coincide with World Jollof Day, brought together five nations in a high-stakes cook-off centred on the beloved one-pot rice dish that unites and divides much of the sub-region.
Ghana took home the US$5,000 grand prize along with the bragging rights, while participating chefs also received packages of Onga products.
Chef Gigi’s path to the regional title began weeks earlier when she won Ghana’s national selection contest. Organised by Onga, that preliminary event featured 10 finalists who demonstrated their skills and creativity.
Abbam-Baidoo outshone competitors including Ewurama Biney, Bra Yaw’s Daughter, Ellen Baffour, Khadijah Khalid, Chefolele, Chef Dede, Khatumi Ndebugri Isa, Jhamin Botwe and Rafiatu Yussif to secure the right to fly the Ghanaian flag.
Known for her deep passion for Ghanaian cuisine, consistency and ability to deliver authentic local flavours with professional technique, Chef Gigi has built a strong reputation through Gigi’s Kitchen. Her jollof is celebrated for its rich taste, ideal texture and traditional Ghanaian character.
She has previously earned recognition in other competitions, including the Frytol Enriching Lives contest, where she showcased innovative approaches to classic recipes while remaining rooted in local food culture.
At the regional showdown, her dish stood out against the varied interpretations presented by the other countries. According to reports from the event, Ghana placed first, Senegal second and Sierra Leone third.
The victory marked a reversal of fortunes from the previous edition, in which Nigeria claimed the West African title. Ghana’s win was widely celebrated as a reclamation of the regional crown.
Official competition artwork featuring the winner carried the message: “We may be quiet but we’re fearless.” Following her success, Chef Gigi expressed pride in representing Ghana and elevating the country’s culinary profile on a regional stage. The triumph further positions Gigi’s Kitchen as a promoter of Ghanaian hospitality and creativity.
The Onga Jollof Battle
The Onga Jollof Battle is organised by Onga, the popular seasoning brand under Promasidor Ghana Limited. The event aims to celebrate the rich culinary traditions of West Africa, foster friendly rivalry and give talented chefs a platform to showcase distinctive national interpretations of jollof rice.
Jollof, a tomato-based rice dish enjoyed across Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire and beyond, has long been the subject of passionate debates about which country prepares the superior version. Competitions such as this one turn that banter into a structured, celebratory contest of skill, creativity and flavour.
Atmosphere at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel reflected the cultural significance of the occasion. Media coverage and social media posts captured energetic scenes, national pride on display through flags and colours, and the communal joy that surrounds shared food traditions.
Live coverage from various Ghanaian outlets highlighted the presentation of competing chefs, the intensity of the cook-off and the eventual crowning of Team Ghana.
Beyond the cash prize and title, the competition underscores broader themes of cultural exchange and soft power through cuisine. Food remains one of the most accessible and unifying expressions of West African identity, even as national variations spark lively discussion.
By bringing chefs together under one roof, Onga and organisers create space for mutual appreciation while allowing each country’s unique approach whether in spice levels, rice texture, protein pairings or cooking methods to shine.
Chef Gigi’s achievement adds to a growing list of successes for Ghanaian culinary talent on both national and international stages. It also reinforces the visibility of home-grown food brands and entrepreneurs who work to preserve and innovate within traditional Ghanaian cooking.
Through Gigi’s Kitchen, Abbam-Baidoo has consistently highlighted the depth and hospitality inherent in local dishes, inspiring younger cooks and food enthusiasts in the process.
The second edition of the West African Onga Jollof Battle continues a tradition that has evolved over recent years, expanding from bilateral Ghana-Nigeria showdowns to a broader regional format. Previous iterations have featured strong showings from multiple countries and significant prize packages, reflecting the commercial and cultural investment in celebrating World Jollof Day each August.
As celebrations continue in the wake of Ghana’s victory, the win is expected to fuel further conversation about the enduring appeal of jollof and the skilled hands that prepare it.
For Chef Gina Abbam-Baidoo and Gigi’s Kitchen, the regional championship represents both a personal milestone and a collective statement of Ghanaian culinary excellence. Quiet determination, it seems, proved more than enough to deliver a fearless performance and bring the title back home.
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