The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has encouraged culinary practitioners and other tourism industry players to leverage digital technology to enhance their businesses. Speaking at the 46th Graduation and Exhibition of the EKGS Culinary Institute in Accra, GTA CEO Akwasi Agyeman stressed the growing importance of technology in the food industry, calling it essential for driving innovation and growth.
He lamented the low adoption of digital tools within the sector, noting that a survey conducted by the GTA four years ago found that about 73% of tourism facilities lacked websites, let alone social media presence. Mr.Agyeman emphasized that technology is transforming the culinary arts, from virtual cooking classes to the use of social media to showcase culinary creativity. He urged culinary professionals to embrace these tools to reach wider audiences and grow their businesses, citing online food delivery services, virtual restaurants, and food blogging as examples of digital advancements reshaping the industry.
In addition to encouraging innovation, Mr. Agyeman highlighted the role of technology in promoting sustainable practices. He pointed out that digital tools can help reduce food waste, manage inventories smartly, and support the food value chain through online marketplaces, fostering a more sustainable and innovative ecosystem.
Mr. Agyeman congratulated the graduating students of EKGS and urged them to apply what they had learned in the digital realm to create unique food brands that reflect Ghana’s culinary heritage.
Mrs. Efua Goode Obeng-Kyei, Director of the EKGS Culinary Institute, reaffirmed the institute’s mission to offer solution-driven training, with over 8,000 graduates to date—70% of whom have started their own culinary outlets. She noted that the institute has introduced digital learning options, including online theory courses and virtual recipe creation, attracting international students from countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
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She announced plans to further integrate digital elements, such as artificial intelligence (AI), into the curriculum by 2025, enabling more flexible training for students.
Dr. Percival Delali Agordor, National Vice President of the Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, who chaired the event, urged the graduates to excel in their careers, maintaining high standards of food and nutrition safety in the industry.
