South Central Los Angeles will host the 18th edition of Akwaaba Sundays today at 1 p.m., bringing together Ghanaian cuisine, wines from Black-owned vineyards, and a celebration of Pan-African culture.
Organized by Paul Ekow Gyimah, co-founder of the Gyimah Institute of Viticulture & Enology Research (G.I.V.E.R.) and the Pan-African Vine & Wine Industry Group (P.A.V.W.I.G.), the event is dedicated to Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president, on what would have been his 116th birthday.
The event’s theme, “The Spirit of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Never Dies,” underscores its focus on cultural heritage, community, and Pan-African identity.
According to the organizers, Akwaaba Sundays is designed to celebrate Africa and promote African products. The initiative combines authentic Ghanaian and Pan-African cuisine with wines from Black-owned and Pan-African vineyards, highlighting the stories and craftsmanship behind each dish and bottle.
Beyond culinary excellence, the series connects attendees to African heritage, history, and social initiatives, honoring leaders such as Nkrumah while supporting projects in Ghana that tackle illegal mining and provide platforms for local entrepreneurs. The organizers describe the event as a venue where African culture, products, and innovation are shared with a global audience.
The culinary program offers a carefully curated menu, including smoked chicken groundnut soup, garden egg stew, Fishermen’s soup with catfish and shrimp, vegan groundnut vegetable soup, and Red Red with fried plantains, alongside traditional sides such as banku, fufu, roasted yams, and boiled eggs with shito.
Each dish is thoughtfully paired with wines from renowned Black winemakers, including Justin Michelle Ward of Ward Four Wines and Chris Christensen of Bodkin Wines. Their selections, ranging from Muscat Blanc and Petite Sirah to unique blends, exemplify low-intervention winemaking and a commitment to diversity and inclusion within the wine industry. Additional beverages include grape juice, water from Beyond Alkalinity and Wellness, and homemade sorrel prepared by Andre Thomas.
Adding depth to the event, Ralph Kofi Dinko, a Ghanaian communications strategist and self-taught chef, will share his expertise in both culinary arts and storytelling, linking each dish to Ghanaian cultural heritage.
The event emphasizes Ubuntu, the African philosophy of interconnectedness and community, while simultaneously contributing to social impact initiatives, such as campaigns against illegal mining in Ghana and the upcoming First Pan-African Conference on Ending Illegal Mining, scheduled for May 25, 2026.
Since its inception in April 2024, Akwaaba Sundays has paired Ghanaian fusion cuisine with wines from Black-led vineyards globally, creating a platform to uplift entrepreneurs, promote Pan-African culture, and celebrate heritage through food and drink. Each edition combines cultural immersion, culinary discovery, and social impact, attracting attendees interested in exploring African cuisine, wine, and traditions while supporting meaningful initiatives.
Today’s event will be held at 1042 West 54th Street, Los Angeles (back house) from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., with street parking available. Guests are encouraged to RSVP through a $30 donation via Zelle to Paul Ekow Gyimah, with proceeds supporting G.I.V.E.R. and P.A.V.W.I.G. initiatives in Ghana, including campaigns against illegal mining and the Pan-African conference on sustainable mining practices.
For further details and updates, the organizers encourage following the journey on Instagram and LinkedIn
