Apam senior high school (SHS) has emerged as Central Regional Champions of the 2023 Onga Cook Art contest.

The battle to book a slot at the 2023 Onga Cook Art National Championship began in the Central Regional Capital, Cape Coast.

Six schools: Mfantiman Girls SHS, Potsin T.I. Ahmadiyya SHS, Swedru SHS, Holy Child School, Academy of Christ the King, and defending regional champion Apam SHS, had to slug it out for an opportunity to represent the region at the zonal round of the competition.

Expectations were high, and the Director of the Cultural Unit at the Ghana Education Service (GES), Benedicta Yevu, said at the start of the contest that "we expect an artistic display of our local dishes.

The contest began with an oral assessment, after which contestants were given two hours to demonstrate their culinary skills.

The judges paid particular attention to the table arrangement, hygiene, and creativity of the contestants as they meticulously assessed each meal presented.

At the end of the contest, Apam SHS retained its title as the reigning regional champion with a 79 per cent score line.

They were followed closely by 75.5 per cent, and the new entrance, Potsin T.I. Ahmadiyya SHS, came in third with 73 per cent.

The Assistant Marketing Communications Director for Western and Central Regions at Promasidor Ghana, Obaa Yaa Opoku, applauded the participants and urged them as well as their school authorities to take this year's contest seriously, as she hinted at some thrilling surprises for the National Champions.

The quiz mistress, Patience Darko, after assisting participants, shared nuggets of advice for competing schools, saying that "we awarded extra marks for the right application of the various cooking techniques. Contestants should also ensure they label their meals, stick to their cooking plan, and keep their surroundings clean."

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Onga Cook Art Show. Project Lead Felix Appiah said the dikes have been raised higher ' it's been a long journey; we can see the growth and impact the show has had five years on.

According to him, a total of 120 schools in the 16 regions of Ghana are expected to participate in the competition.

He also added that a substitution round has been introduced, where contestants can call for a swap when they deem fit.

He also extended his gratitude to Lead Sponsor Onga for their tremendous help throughout the years.

Each participant received souvenirs from Onga.

Apam Senior High School sails through to the zonal level of the contest.