The Cake Affairs School of Culinary Arts, a leading name in the catering and hospitality management industry, on July 28, celebrated its 44th graduating class in a colourful ceremony at the National Theatre.

On the night, a total of 136 graduates were awarded certificates in cake decorating, event planning, pastry and dessert making, and cookery, marking a significant milestone in their culinary journey.

Since its inception, the culinary school has graduated over 5,000 students and operates another branch in Dichemso, Kumasi.

Over the years, the institution has made substantial progress in providing top-notch culinary education and training.

Cake Affairs School of Culinary Arts, established six years ago, is a subsidiary of Bakes and Tastes, a bakery company founded 11 years ago in Ukraine.

The founder and principal, Marian Sagoe, initiated this venture during her master's degree studies in Applied Economics at Kharkiv University of Economics, Ukraine.

Speaking at the event, Marian Sagoe shared her motivation for starting the school and the strides they have made in regularising their operations.

"I’m a young woman driven by my passion for the arts. After obtaining a diploma in cake baking, decorating, sugarcraft, and pastry arts, I decided to help others with similar passions gain an education in this field.

"We aim not only to provide education but also to create employment opportunities for many to become self-sufficient."

Marian Sagoe highlighted the school’s achievements, including its recent accreditation from the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET).

"As the training centre grew, we applied for accreditation from CTVET in November 2023 and were awarded it in April 2024 after meeting all requirements.

"Now, we are fully equipped to train individuals in TVET courses, supporting the government’s goal of advancing technical and vocational education."

Looking to the future, Marian Sagoe revealed ambitious plans to expand and empower more students now that they have achieved pre-tertiary institution status.

The Special Guest of Honour, Ben Anane Nsiah, Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, encouraged the graduating students to focus on building character, being trustworthy, and plying their skills locally rather than seeking quick ways to relocate abroad, a trend that is becoming increasingly common.

"If you take the education you have received here seriously, build character, and remain honest, you can succeed in Ghana without facing the hardships and dangers of relocating," he advised.

Mr. Nsiah congratulated the graduating class and emphasized that Ghana is a beautiful country that needs everyone's efforts to develop.

Participants at the event, including industry players, family, and friends, as well as the graduates, were entertained by gospel musician Celestine Donkor and were full of praise for Cake Affairs for such a wonderful event.

By nurturing talent and promoting excellence, Cake Affairs School of Culinary Arts continues to make a significant impact on the lives of its students and the broader community.