The USA Poultry and Egg Export Council, in collaboration with U.S. Soy, has trained over 90 students from nine technical universities across the country.
The three-day event held in Accra from June 16 to 18, 2025, was aimed to educate and empower the next generation of culinary professionals in Ghana on the versatility and quality of American poultry and egg products.
The national training program and chicken cooking competition featured intensive hands-on training led by acclaimed chefs, including New York-based Chef David Bonom and Ghana’s Chef Ines.
Students explored the versatility of American poultry and egg products, including practical sessions on poultry deboning and innovative recipe creation.
A highlight was the cooking showdown on the final day, where student chefs crafted exquisite meals using U.S. chicken leg quarters and surprise ingredients from a mystery box.
This experience offered a unique opportunity for students to observe the complex processes involved in large-scale food preparation and delivery within a specialised culinary environment.
The winners, Salifu Anyogbire Sherifatu and Addoh King Jones from Ho Technical University, impressed judges with their white wine chicken terrine with mango chutney and stir-fried vegetables.
Their victory earned them a three-month internship at the prestigious Labadi Beach Hotel, personal trophies, and cash prizes.
As part of USAPEEC’s social responsibility efforts, some poultry products were donated to the Osu Children’s Home in Accra on the second day of the program.
USAPEEC’s Anglophone and Lusophone Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, Rose Queiroz, praised the creativity displayed, saying the program proves the promise of Ghana’s rising culinary talent.
“I was incredibly impressed with the creativity and skills the students displayed. This program truly highlights the potential of these future culinary leaders,” she stated.
Speaking in the same vein, Chef David Bonom encouraged aspiring chefs to continue honing their skills and always experiment with recipes.
Chef Akwetey also urged students to pursue their dreams with determination and hard work, stating that they have the potential even to surpass his achievements.
The students were from Accra Technical University, Tamale Technical University, Takoradi Technical University, Ho Technical University, Sunyani Technical University, Bolgatanga Technical University, Kumasi Technical University, Koforidua Technical University, and Dr Hilla Liman Technical University.
