Kpokpoi is a special traditional meal mostly eaten and prepared by the Gas during their Homowo festival for the ancestors.
THE ORIGIN OF KPOKPOI
The settlement of the Gas can be located in the Greater Accra Region which consists of towns such as Osu, Nunugua, Tema, Labadi and so on. Just as every region and tribe has their festive season so do the Gas and they celebrate the Homowo. The Homowo festival means to “hoot at hunger”, during this festival there are various activities that take place such as drumming, music, dancing, poring of libation, preparation of food, offer sacrifices, gunshots and performing of rituals.

Kpokpoi, also known as Kpepele is the main dish prepared during the festival, even though individuals are allowed to eat it a greater percentage is fed to their ancestors as a reminder and appreciation of their journey as Gas this far. This meal can be prepared by all but there are designated houses where the kpokpoi is prepared specifically for the chief to sprinkle on the ground and in some other areas the chief priest. The sprinkling of the Kpokpoi by the chief to their ancestors signifies the giving of food to those who died as a result of hunger during the days of famine.

HOW IT IS PREPARED
Before the cooking process can begin there are traditional utensils that are needed to help get the required taste and texture for the occasion especially for the festivity. Some of such are the sieve, pestle and mortar which will be used to pound the corn for smoothness sake, then a net an earthen pot steamer for the steaming process and a pot or cauldron and of course the necessary ingredients for preparation.
The festive food is made with maize flour which is sifted to get it smoothened and steamed. If covered properly it can take between five to ten minutes before it is ready. The steamed maize, seasoned palm oil and salty water will be mixed and placed in a mortar for pounding to get it evenly mixed after which a small amount of boiled okro is added to hold together or as a thickner and sifted again to get a smoothened texture.
This can be enjoyed with palm nut soup and smoked fish for families who want to enjoy it
Palm Nut Soup served