COMSSA Men’s Cook-Off redefines gender narratives through culinary showdown

The 2026 COMSSA Men’s Cook-Off held on the 69^th Independence Day at Anigyie Nkoa Villa in New Winneba, brought together male faculty members and students of the Graduate School of the School of Communication and Media Studies (SCMS) of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) to showcase their culinary skills in a bold celebration of inclusion, creativity and gender redefinition.

The Eighth Edition of the flagship annual event under the theme, Real Men Cook, organised by the Graduate School of the School of Communication and Media Studies (SCMS), coincided deliberately with Ghana’s Independence Day. The choice of date was symbolic, and reinforced the idea that freedom is not only political but also social: the freedom to break stereotypes and rewrite entrenched narratives.

At the heart of the initiative was a powerful concept: challenging the long-held perception that the kitchen is exclusively a woman’s domain. The COMSSA Men’s Cook-Off flipped this social construct practically and engagingly.

On the day, male faculty members and students traded academic gowns for aprons and textbooks for shopping lists. As a prelude, they went to the local markets to negotiate for fresh ingredients, returned with sleeves rolled up, and immersed themselves in the art of chopping, stirring, frying, grilling and garnishing.

Their mission was clear: to cook and serve with pride, creativity and flair for the women of the School of Communication and Media Studies (SCMS) and other guests.

But the event went far beyond cooking.

It served as a living statement on inclusion and partnership. It demonstrated that skill has no gender and that excellence in the kitchen belongs to whoever brings passion to the pot.

Participants presented secret family recipes, bold experimental flavours, traditional Ghanaian delicacies with modern twists and visually striking plating worthy of fine dining standards. Dishes were assessed on taste, creativity, presentation, teamwork and crowd appeal, turning the cook-off into both a culinary competition and a performance spectacle.

The atmosphere was electric. Alongside the bubbling pots and sizzling spices, there was live music performances, creative arts and craft displays, cultural showcases, photo sessions and networking opportunities. Laughter, friendly rivalries and shared experiences blended seamlessly into a celebration of unity.

The event has not only attracted students and faculty members, but also senior lecturers from sister universities, alumni, media professionals and members of the general public, reinforcing its status as one of the most anticipated annual gatherings within the academic community.

The current President of the Communication and Media Students’ Association (COMSSA), Stephen Zoure, has, over the years, positioned the event as more than a departmental activity. Under his leadership, it continues to stand as a bold platform for appreciation, collaboration, and progressive social engagement.