I’m an engineer by profession, but cooking is taking me places

Ghanaian content creator and chef, Abena Amoakoa Sintim-Aboagye, popularly known as Chef Abby, has revealed how her passion for cooking pushed her to switch careers from construction management to the culinary world.

Chef Abby said she holds a degree in Construction Management, but her true passion has always been food.

“I’m also an engineer by profession. I have a degree in construction management. That’s my profession,” she said. “But I do cooking as my passion. And now, it’s taking me places.”

Chef Abby’s journey began on Snapchat, where she posted her first-ever food video, a simple mac and cheese recipe. The video earned her about 500 views, but she said she was proud and encouraged to do more.

“That video had 500 views. I was very proud. I didn’t give up,” she recalled on Joy Prime’s “Prime Morning” with Roselyn Felli as monitored by MyNewsGh.

Since then, Chef Abby has grown into one of Ghana’s leading food influencers, representing the country at major global events. She was recently listed among the Times 100 Most Influential Creators for 2025.

She explained that her goal is not only to entertain but to educate people on African food, adding that her long-term vision is to establish a school of food to teach locals and tourists alike.

“I don’t cook to sell. I teach people how to cook. My vision is to have a school of food in Ghana, and even beyond Africa,” she said.

Chef Abby has also cooked dishes from over 26 African countries, making her one of the few chefs actively promoting African cuisine across digital platforms.