Ghana's Amoafi Boateng Competes in Elite Hennessy MyWay Africa Mixology Finals

Ghana's mixology scene received a significant boost as bartender Amoafi Boateng took centre stage at the prestigious Hennessy MyWay Africa Regional Finals held in Johannesburg, South Africa. The competition brought together Africa's finest cocktail talent, with representatives from South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, and Ghana showcasing their craft at the high-stakes event designed to identify and nurture the next generation of bartending excellence across the continent.

The competition, held at Nook—a sophisticated bar within the upscale SOLO restaurant—challenged participating mixologists to demonstrate their expertise through two distinct categories: recreating their signature cocktails using Hennessy Very Special cognac and developing innovative creations featuring Hennessy VSOP. Importantly, all entries were evaluated with a focus on sustainable mixology practices, reflecting evolving industry standards around environmental responsibility in hospitality.

The Competition and Judging Panel

The judging panel comprised internationally recognised mixology professionals, including South African expert Aimee May Donofrio, 2025 Global MyWay Champion Sandrina Burkhardt from Germany (known in the industry as Trina on the Rocks), and respected mixologist Mmiso Luphondo. These judges assessed competitors not merely on technical skill but on the storytelling and passion behind each creation.

Judge Aimee May Donofrio emphasised the importance of both flavour and personality in cocktail craft, noting that she experienced unprecedented flavour combinations during the competition. Fellow judge Sandrina Burkhardt highlighted how the Hennessy MyWay platform provides bartenders with transformative opportunities, stating that education and career advancement represent core pillars of the brand's commitment to the industry.

Why This Matters for Ghana

Amoafi Boateng's participation underscores Ghana's growing prominence in Africa's hospitality and culinary sectors. The Hennessy MyWay programme represents a significant professional development pathway for Ghanaian bartenders, offering exposure to international standards, mentorship from global experts, and networking opportunities within elite mixology circles. Success at the regional level opens pathways to the Global Finals in Paris and Cognac in October 2026, where African champions will compete on the world stage for substantial prizes including rare Hennessy cognac and exclusive experiences in France.

The competition reflects broader trends in Ghana's service industry, where craft cocktails and premium hospitality have gained traction, particularly in Accra's growing fine-dining and bar culture. Programmes like Hennessy MyWay elevate local talent visibility and create benchmarks for quality and innovation that ripple through Ghana's hospitality sector.

Continental Recognition and Prizes

Three regional champions emerged from the finals: Roxanne Read from South Africa, Brian Ohadha, and Happiness Cletus from Nigeria. These winners earned the honour of representing Africa at the Global Finals, competing for the ultimate prize—a custom Champion Trophy, a magnum of rare Hennessy Cognac, and an exclusive trip to France. Additional accolades recognising the Most Sustainable Champion and Best Ritual will award two more coveted trips to the Charente region, home of Hennessy's centuries-old production heritage.

The Hennessy MyWay initiative, operating across more than 150 countries and built on a legacy exceeding 260 years, underscores the brand's global commitment to advancing mixology as a respected craft. For Ghanaian bartenders and hospitality professionals, the platform represents an invaluable opportunity to gain international recognition, secure professional development, and establish credentials in a competitive, evolving industry.