Graduates of the Hotel, Catering and Tourism Training Institute (HOTCATT) have been urged to uphold professionalism and excellence as they transition into Ghana’s Hospitality and Tourism sector.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Deputy Minister Hon. Yussif Isaaka Jajah challenged the graduating class to become ambassadors of quality service and innovation in their various fields.
“Whether you choose to work in hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, or launch your own ventures, you carry the reputation of HOTCATT and the promise of Ghana’s tourism future,” Hon. Jajah stated at the institute’s 2025 graduation ceremony held at the National Theatre in Accra.
The event, themed “Enhancing Skills for a Sustainable Hospitality Future”, brought together alumni, industry stakeholders, government officials, and agency heads to celebrate the achievements of the graduates and reflect on the future of hospitality training in Ghana.
In a major announcement, the Deputy Minister revealed the development of a new 5-year Strategic Plan (2025–2029) for HOTCATT, aimed at modernizing the curriculum, incorporating digital learning, upgrading infrastructure, and strengthening partnerships with industry stakeholders.
The Ministry, in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), is also preparing to roll out mandatory training and certification programmes to raise service standards across the hospitality industry.
“Tourism is more than an industry; it is a celebration of our identity, our culture, and our potential,” Hon. Jajah said, reaffirming government’s commitment to making Ghana a premier tourism destination in Africa, in line with the vision of H.E. President John Dramani Mahama.
Acting Director of HOTCATT, Mr. Eric Kofi Afornorpe, reaffirmed the institute’s ambition to become a Centre of Excellence for practical training in hospitality, tourism, and culinary arts.
“We are positioning HOTCATT as a vital conduit between academia and industry,” Mr. Afornorpe stated, noting ongoing collaborations with the Ghana Hotels Association, the Chefs Association of Ghana, and UN-Tourism.
He also announced ongoing discussions with Accra Technical University and AAMUSTED for academic affiliation, aimed at creating clear pathways for HOTCATT graduates to advance their education.
In a significant development, HOTCATT is engaging with the Halal Certification Bureau to introduce Islamic hospitality standards in Ghana, inspired by models in Kenya and Malaysia.
Mr. Afornorpe appealed for increased stakeholder investment, particularly in infrastructure development and the establishment of regional training centres to ensure broader access to industry-standard training.
Source: Delassie Mabel Awuku-PR Unit- MoTCCA
