HOTCATT and GETFund Forge International Partnerships to Boost Tourism and AI Skills in Ghana

The Government of Ghana has intensified its efforts to modernize the nation’s workforce through two major educational partnerships aimed at digital innovation and service excellence. The Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) has entered into a strategic agreement with UNESCO to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital skills into the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector. Simultaneously, the Hotel Catering and Tourism Training Institute (HOTCATT) has partnered with the UK-based Association of Business Executives (ABE) to launch an internationally recognized qualification program, underscoring a nationwide shift toward aligning Ghanaian skills with global market demands.

The GETFund-UNESCO partnership, formalized in Accra, focuses on preparing the youth for the rapidly evolving digital economy. GETFund Administrator Richard Kwasi Ofori Adjei emphasized the urgency of providing digital competencies and AI knowledge to keep pace with industrial technology changes. UNESCO Country Representative Edmond Moukala highlighted that the initiative will include updating curricula and providing capacity building for educators to ensure the responsible and ethical integration of AI. This program is expected to bridge the gap between classroom instruction and industry requirements, fostering both employment and entrepreneurship for TVET graduates.

In the tourism sector, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Yussif Issaka Jajah, acting on behalf of the Ministry, launched the HOTCATT-ABE Certification and Diploma Programmes. Speaking under the theme ‐Building a Globally Competitive Tourism Workforce,‑ Jajah stated that Ghana’s competitiveness in the global market will depend heavily on service quality and hospitality rather than just physical attractions. The partnership with ABE Global provides students with access to qualifications recognized in over 70 countries, including a UK Diploma in Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality, which aims to elevate the standard of professional service in the country.

Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, noted that this initiative is crucial for changing public perceptions about careers in the tourism sector. By offering professional training in various operational areas, the program aims to address significant training gaps for frontline workers. Enrollment is open to individuals with WASSCE, Diploma, or Degree certificates, as well as experienced professionals. Classes for these tourism and hospitality programs are scheduled to commence in October 2026, creating a pipeline of skilled professionals to support the government’s job creation agenda.

These educational advancements reflect the broader policy goals of President John Mahama’s administration, which has prioritized tourism and vocational training as pillars for socio-economic development. By collaborating with international bodies like UNESCO and ABE, the government aims to reduce youth unemployment and position Ghana as a preferred destination for both digital investment and global tourism. These initiatives represent a comprehensive strategy to ensure that Ghanaian graduates are not only locally relevant but also globally competitive in the modern workforce.