The Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Ho Technical University has hosted a three-day capacity-building training by the Chefs Association of Ghana on January 16 – 18, 2024, with the aim of training industry professionals on food allergies and potential kitchen hazards.
Dr. John Ayimah Coker, the Chairman for the event and Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, emphasised the importance of ongoing research and staying updated on food science trends for professionals in the hospitality industry, particularly chefs and cooks. He highlighted the critical role of food in ensuring the survival of living beings, emphasising the need for such training to keep professionals informed about new health-related developments and challenges.
Dr. Coker expressed his support for advancing such causes, emphasising his oversight responsibility as the Dean overseeing the Hospitality and Tourism Management Department. He commended the Association’s executives for taking the initiative, especially at the beginning of the new year.
Mr. Emmanuel Selase, the Acting Director of Public Affairs representing the Registrar, clarified that the programme’s purpose is to facilitate mutual refreshment, idea sharing, and the exchange of knowledge and best practices to enhance hospitality across various sectors. He encouraged participants to actively engage and contribute to fostering solidarity within the industry.
Mr. Agbati, President of the Volta Regional Branch of the Association and Chief Chef at Eli Resort, provided an overview of the Association and urged all chefs in the country to join, citing immeasurable benefits.
Madam Otilia Adzyino, Head of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management at HTU and coordinator of the training workshop, expressed gratitude to participants for the workshop’s success. She emphasized the necessity for professional cooks and chefs to engage with professional bodies and undergo periodic training to survive and thrive in the industry. Ms. Adzyino applauded participants for starting the training workshop and encouraged them to share acquired knowledge with colleagues, promoting skill enhancement and knowledge transfer.
The training workshop is the first of three scheduled to conclude in March.
Other University members present at the opening ceremony included Dr. Paulina N. Adzyoyi, Dean of International Programmes and Institutional Linkages; Mr. Johnson Aboagye, the Ag. Director of General Administration and Legal Services; and Dr. Vincent Asimah, a lecturer at the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Directorate of Public Affairs