A statement from the Organisers said the selection of Ghana was also historic as the first country in West Africa to be granted the prestigious opportunity to showcase its talent on a global platform such us the SOMCUP2019.

Other participating Countries are Canada, USA, Kenya, The Netherlands, Zimbabwe, Sweden, Germany, China, Australia, United Kingdom.

The Sommelier World Cup event is geared towards the selection of Wine Expert from Ghana with exceptional knowledge in Wines and well-grounded experience in identifying grape varietals, the distinction in flavours, taste, terroir, and vintages.

It said the selection was due to the consistent growth of South African wines in the Ghanaian market in an extremely competitive global wine trade.

It said Ghana has experienced tremendous growth in the diversification from hard liquor consumption into a more sophisticated consumer market largely due to the economic growth and the emergence of middle-income population and the growing demand for quality wines.

"Wines of South Africa has been a major influence in the Ghanaian market since the launch of its annual Wine Tasting event in Accra since 2015," it added.

The statement said with the tourism and hospitality sector being one of the major economic growth indicators in Ghana, the Ministry of Tourism and the Ghana Tourism Development company has embarked on strategic policies to ensure all stakeholders were well equipped to handle the tourists' influx into the country.

It said the hospitality service sector in Ghana was one of the best performing sectors and also amongst the least invested sectors.

It said for a successful tourism and hospitality industry to achieve optimal potential, substantive investment must be made in knowledge transfer and training opportunities to ensure the delivery of world-class service.

The statement said Wines of South Africa (WOSA) in fulfilment of its global agenda is investing into the hospitality sector in various African countries including Ghana as an affirmation of Ghana's position as the preferred investment destination in West Africa.

It said to become a qualified sommelier, a prestigious career that was currently absent in the Ghanaian market, the opportunity was given to all Ghanaians and resident non-Ghanaians to participate and eventually represent Ghana at the World event in South Africa.

The Ghana selection event takes place on July 23, 2019 at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel with closing date for Entry in June 22, 2019.

Mr Matome Mbatha, Market Manager for Africa at WOSA, expressed the optimism about the prospects in Ghana as well as the confidence and growth South African wines continue to enjoy in Ghana.

He said the growth was an indication of the quality of Wines of South Africa brands coupled with the strong economic ties and international trade between both Countries.

Mr. Mbatha also said the selection of Ghana as the first country in West Africa and the Fourth country on the continent to participate in the Sommelier World Cup was testament to Ghana's position as a favourable investment and tourism hub in the Sub-region.

"It is therefore imperative for all stakeholders and fellow Africans to pursue a common goal of South-South Trade to spearhead sustainable economic growth for both Countries and its citizens," he said.