Ghanaian food storyteller and cultural advocate Bibiana Gyasi, popularly known as Cheflifestyle, has officially launched her debut children’s book, “The Night the Kitchen Came Alive.”
At the launch, Gyasi explained the inspiration behind the book and highlighted the urgent need for more Ghanaian content for children.
“There’s a huge gap in local content for children in Ghana—books, games, apps, and learning tools. Most of what children consume today is foreign: stories, food, heroes, values. This needs to change,” she said.
Gyasi stressed the importance of teaching children about Ghanaian food, culture, and heritage. “How can we preserve our culture if we do not document it for future generations? Many children grow up with little knowledge of their own cultural identity. We need to shape how they see themselves and their place in the world by telling our own stories.”
“The Night the Kitchen Came Alive” follows a young Ghanaian boy who discovers his grandmother’s kitchen transformed into a lively world of traditional cooking tools and beloved local dishes. Blending imagination with cultural education, the story celebrates Ghanaian food culture while encouraging children to ask questions, value indigenous knowledge, and see the kitchen as a classroom where history, science, creativity, and culture come alive.
The book also promotes gender inclusion, challenging traditional stereotypes around cooking, and reinforces the idea that culinary skills are essential for every child, regardless of gender.
For Gyasi, the book represents a new chapter in her storytelling journey. Known for showcasing Ghanaian cuisine as a digital creator, she now brings that narrative into children’s literature, highlighting the richness of Ghanaian food culture.
She also framed the project as a contribution toward Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education. “The book sits at the intersection of culture and literacy,” she said, adding that it will enrich conversations around identity, education, and youth development.
Gyasi outlined an ambitious post-launch roadmap, including school tours, community reading sessions, and cultural engagement events nationwide. The goal is to place the book directly into the hands of children in classrooms and community libraries.
A key component of this effort is the newly introduced “Gift A Story” initiative, which allows parents, individuals, and corporate partners to purchase copies for donation to underserved schools and vulnerable communities. The program seeks to make culturally relevant literature accessible to all children, regardless of financial constraints.
Looking ahead, Gyasi plans to collaborate with the Ghana Education Service (GES) to explore curriculum alignment and institutional adoption. She also aims to translate the book into multiple Ghanaian languages to expand access across the country.
The ambitious post-launch target is to have 1,000 copies reach children within 90 days.
“The Night the Kitchen Came Alive” is now officially available for purchase. For more information, contact Bibiana Gyasi via email at Cheflifestylegh@gmail.com or on social media @cheflifestyle.