Joy Prime Hosts Star-Studded Mother’s Day Culinary Showcase Amidst Calls for Greater Industry Support

The 2026 Mother’s Day celebrations in Ghana reached a vibrant peak as Joy Prime hosted its signature ‘Cook With Mum – Celebrity Edition’ at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel. This heart-warming event brought together over 150 families to witness a unique culinary showcase where prominent Ghanaian personalities stepped out of their usual roles to cook alongside their mothers. The gathering served as a poignant reminder of family bonds, blending the rich flavors of Ghanaian cuisine with a festive atmosphere of gratitude and appreciation for motherhood.

The celebrity lineup featured diverse talents, including social media sensations and performers such as Akuapem Poloo, Victoria Lebene, Twin Diaries, and MJ the Comedian. Participants engaged in a friendly but spirited cooking competition, which was evaluated by Mr. Fiifi Koomson, the General Manager of Joy Brands. Beyond the kitchen, the audience was treated to musical performances by Mima Africa and emotional storytelling sessions that highlighted the deep connections between the stars and their parents. All participating families were honored with gifts and treats from various sponsors, including Gino, ensuring the day was as rewarding as it was entertaining.

However, the success of such high-profile events often masks the underlying financial pressures faced by many in Ghana’s creative sector. Comedian Oh Joo has recently voiced significant concerns regarding the sustainability of the entertainment industry, particularly for stand-up comics. He noted that despite the ability to pull a 'full house' at events, many performers find themselves with 'empty pockets' due to the soaring costs of production, venue rentals, and heavy taxation. This disparity highlights a growing challenge: while public appetite for live entertainment is high, the financial infrastructure to support it remains insufficient.

The industry's growth is currently stunted by a noticeable lack of dedicated comedy venues and corporate investment, which often favors more established sectors like music and film. Industry voices warn that without strategic government intervention and a more favorable tax environment, Ghana risks a 'brain drain' of local talent moving abroad in search of better opportunities. As events like ‘Cook With Mum’ continue to demonstrate the immense public demand for local content, stakeholders are calling for a more robust financial framework to ensure that Ghana’s creative professionals can thrive as much as the audiences they serve.