ELS: MBN360 NEWS
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Yussif Issaka Jajah, has said Ghana’s ability to compete in the global tourism market will no longer depend solely on its tourist attractions but also on the quality of service and hospitality offered to visitors.
He noted that the global tourism industry is evolving rapidly, with travellers increasingly expecting higher standards of professionalism and service delivery. To meet these expectations, he said, Ghana must invest in developing a skilled workforce.
“Ghana’s competitiveness will not only depend on our tourist attractions but on our quality of service, our relationship with clients, and our hospitality,” the Deputy Minister said.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, at the launch of a partnership between the Hotel, Catering and Tourism Training Institute (HOTCATT) and the Association of Business Executives (ABE), the Deputy Minister said the collaboration would equip young Ghanaians with practical, internationally recognised skills through a new tourism and hospitality certification programme.
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“The partnership will provide Ghanaian youth with access to internationally recognised qualifications without having to leave the shores of Ghana,” he said.
Mr Jajah said the initiative aligns with the government’s broader agenda of creating jobs, reducing youth unemployment, and positioning Ghana as a preferred tourism destination in Africa. He added that the programme reflects the vision of both the Minister for Tourism and President John Dramani Mahama for the country’s tourism sector.
The launch, held in Accra under the theme “Building a Globally Competitive Tourism Workforce: Advancing Skills, Professionalism and International Qualifications,” brought together key stakeholders in the tourism industry, including the Director of HOTCATT, Eric Kofi Afornorpe; ABE Country Manager, Isaac Yeboah; Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey; and President of the Ghana Tourism Federation, Seth Yeboah Ocran.
The HOTCATT-ABE partnership aims to develop a world-class tourism and hospitality workforce capable of competing confidently on the global stage. Students enrolled on the programme will receive training in key operational areas, including food and beverage service, housekeeping, tour guiding, event management, restaurant management, and front office operations, while earning a UK Diploma in Travel, Tourism and Hospitality.
Enrolment is open to applicants with WASSCE, diploma or degree qualifications, as well as individuals with at least three years of relevant work experience. Classes are expected to begin in October 2026.
