Visiting Leuk in the Canton of Valais on 12th April 2026 was a pleasure, as I attended a truly inspiring community event organized by Mrs. Vanesa Venetz, a Ghanaian making remarkable contributions both in Switzerland and back home.

Vanesa organized a durbar of Ghanaian dishes to raise funds in support of her initiatives in Ghana—particularly her work with orphanages, elderly people (especially widows), and the education of vulnerable individuals. Her commitment to giving back is commendable and worthy of our collective support.

Coincidentally, the event followed her birthday celebration, during which she participated in the city market, showcasing and selling Ghanaian foods and products. I extended my warmest congratulations to her and wish her many more years of good health and fulfillment.

The journey from Berne to Leuk was an adventure in itself. We traveled through the scenic Swiss countryside and several tunnels—an impressive feature of Switzerland’s infrastructure. One highlight was passing through Kandersteg Tunnel, where vehicles are transported by train through the mountains. It was a fascinating experience.

Upon arrival, we were welcomed into a beautifully arranged event center, decorated in the vibrant colours of the Ghana flag. The stone-built structure reminded me of some of the historic buildings in Aburi, creating a sense of familiarity and cultural connection.

The surrounding landscape was simply breathtaking—truly indescribable. The well-maintained natural grass in the compound also sparked an important reflection. Unlike artificial turf, which poses environmental and health challenges such as heat retention, microplastic pollution, and disposal issues, natural grass offers a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative. This is an area we must continue to reflect on, particularly in Ghana’s sports infrastructure.

Leuk, located in Valais, is also known for producing some of the finest wines in Switzerland. It was fascinating to see grapevines cultivated right at people’s doorsteps, even in seemingly less fertile soils—supported by efficient irrigation systems. This presents a valuable lesson on how we can better utilize available land spaces for local food production.

The event itself was held near the historic Château de Leuk, a 13th-century castle also known as the Bishop’s Castle. This added a rich historical backdrop to an already meaningful gathering.

At the heart of the event was culture. Through food, Vanesa beautifully introduced the local community to Ghanaian traditions. The meals were generously shared, with voluntary donations collected to support her charity work. It was a wonderful atmosphere of unity, generosity, and cultural exchange. I had the opportunity to interact with many attendees and even shared a moment of music by singing “How Great Thou Art.”

Vanesa’s work is impactful and inspiring. It is a reminder that individual efforts, when driven by passion and compassion, can transform lives.

Let us continue to support such initiatives that bridge cultures and uplift communities.

Source: Agyenkwa Radio – Switzerland