Accra: The Acting Executive Director of the Hotel, Catering and Tourism Training Institute (HOTCATT), Dr Eric Afornorfe, has highlighted a growing partnership between Ghana and Malaysia that is using food and culinary arts as a tool to deepen cultural exchange, strengthen tourism ties, and equip hospitality professionals with globally competitive skills. Speaking at a culinary demonstration hosted by HOTCATT in collaboration with the High Commission of Malaysia in Ghana, Dr Afornorfe said the initiative is rooted in a longstanding Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries and is creating practical opportunities for students and industry players.
According to Ghana Web, Dr Afornorfe emphasized that the partnership transcends diplomacy, offering students firsthand exposure to Malaysian cooking techniques while allowing them to showcase Ghanaian cuisine, facilitating a meaningful exchange of culture and skills. He noted that the collaboration is broadening the culinary competencies of HOTCATT trainees and could lead to the introduction of new menu offerings in Ghana's hospitality industry. Additionally, Dr Afornorfe announced partnerships with technical universities, starting with Accra Technical University, to roll out professional certification programmes targeting over 100,000 workers in hotels and restaurants across the country.
The Secretary to the High Commission of Malaysia in Ghana, Raja Afi, stated that Malaysia and Ghana have been working closely for nearly two years to deepen cooperation, particularly in the food and tourism sectors. As part of the initiative, Malaysia introduced a range of halal-certified frozen food products, including samosas, spring rolls, flatbread, and curry puffs, to the Ghanaian market. Raja Afi explained that these products are sponsored by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), which promotes Malaysian products internationally, and emphasized that all FAMA products carry halal certification, reflecting globally recognized standards of hygiene and quality.
Furthermore, Raja Afi highlighted that Malaysia is collaborating with Ghana's Halal Bureau Certification to support the development of a stronger halal certification ecosystem in Ghana. According to him, halal certification presents significant economic opportunities for Ghanaian food producers and caterers by granting access to the global halal market, estimated at about US$3 trillion. He noted that this initiative is not only a cultural exchange programme but also a business opportunity for Ghanaian enterprises aiming to enter international markets.
Head of Public Relations at the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Delassie Mabel Awuku, commended the collaboration between HOTCATT and the Malaysian Halal Food Group, describing it as a valuable initiative that expands students' culinary horizons. She stated that the ministry, under the leadership of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie, remains committed to supporting programmes that promote culture through food and hospitality. Awuku emphasized that food is not only about nourishment but is also a powerful cultural expression that tells the story of a people and builds bridges between nations.
Awuku also stressed that excellent customer service is as important as food quality, noting that the dining experience begins with how customers are treated. She urged hospitality providers to remain warm, professional, and accommodating. The HOTCATT-Malaysia collaboration forms part of broader efforts by both countries to leverage tourism, culinary arts, and professional training to strengthen bilateral relations and create new economic opportunities. For Ghanaian hospitality students and industry practitioners, the initiative offers exposure to international best practices while positioning local businesses to tap into the rapidly expanding global halal food market.