The Ghana Hotels Association (GHA) has honoured a total of 87 personalities, organisations, and hotels for their exceptional contributions to the growth and development of the association and the country’s hotel industry over the past five decades.
The special honorary awards event in Accra last Saturday formed part of the activities marking the 50th anniversary of the association.
Beyond the glitz, glamour, and fine dining, the night served as a platform to recognise personalities and hospitality institutions that have distinguished themselves through exceptional service, innovation, and a strong commitment to the industry’s growth.
The event, held on the theme 50 Years of Advocacy, Perseverance and Impact on Ghana’s Tourism and Hospitality Industry, brought together key stakeholders, including the Chief of Staff of the Presidency, Julius Debrah.
Award winners
The award categories included the Strategic Partnership Award, which recognised organisations that had significantly supported the Ghana Hotels Association (GHA) in achieving its objectives and goals and the Founding Fathers Awards to honour individuals whose vision, zeal and perseverance led to the formation of the association.
Nene Nagai Kassa VIII (right), Chief of Agomeda, Shai Traditional Area, receiving his award from Julius Debrah
Other categories were the President’s Special Awards, the Regional Leadership Awards for executives who served effectively at the regional level, the National Leadership Award and the GHA Most Outstanding Hotels Awards.
At the end of the night, Labadi Beach Hotel emerged unopposed as Ghana’s Most Outstanding Hotel of the Year (Five-Star Category), in recognition of its excellence in service delivery, facilities, location, reputation and overall impact on the tourism industry.
In the Four-Star Category, Lancaster Hotel in the Ashanti Region was adjudged Hotel of the Year, while Miklin Hotel, also based in the Ashanti Region, won the Three-Star Category.
Three hotels from the Central Region dominated the lower categories, with Windy Lodge winning the Two-Star Category, Nokaans Hotel taking the One-Star Category, and Jangels Hotel emerging as the winner of the Budget Hotel Category.
Under the Strategic Partnership Awards, honours were presented to Graphic Communications Group Limited and Multimedia Group as the Most Supportive Media Houses, the Ghana Tourism Authority as the Most Supportive Regulatory Body and Ashfoam Ghana Limited, State Insurance Company and Safety Insurance Brokers as Most Supportive Vendors.
The GHA also posthumously honoured Nana Kofi Genfi II of Nurom Hotel under the Founding Fathers Category.
Meanwhile, Arts and Tourism Writer Kofi Akpabli, Prof. Kwaku Boakye, Dr Joseph Mensah Ansah, Mr Ekow Sampson, Nana Dr Adu Sarkordie Afriyie, and the Chief of Agomeda, Nene Nagai Kassa VIII, were recognised under the President’s Special Awards category.
Government–industry partnership
Mr Debrah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s tourism and hospitality sector, calling for closer collaboration between the state and industry players to drive sustainability, investment and global competitiveness.
The Chief of Staff described GHA’s 50-year milestone as a tribute to vision, resilience, and belief in Ghana’s potential as a globally competitive tourism destination.
As a former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr Debrah said he witnessed firsthand the critical role the Ghana Hotels Association had played in positioning Ghana as a preferred destination, adding that the association’s growth mirrored the evolution of the country’s tourism industry.
He credited the GHA’s sustained advocacy for shaping policy, improving standards, and boosting investor confidence.
He also highlighted flagship initiatives such as the Year of Return, Beyond the Return, Black Star Experience, and December in GH, which had elevated Ghana’s international profile and strengthened partnerships between the government and the private sector.
“On behalf of His Excellency, the President of the Republic and the Government of Ghana, I congratulate the Ghana Hotels Association on this remarkable milestone.
Let us build an industry that rewards investment, creates dignified jobs, uplifts communities, and reflects Ghana’s excellence on the world map,” he said.
Positive image
The President of the GHA, Dr Edward Ackah-Nyamike Jnr, said the occasion was particularly significant for him as it would be the last GHA Awards he would organise as President, with his eight-year tenure set to end in April 2026.
The GHA President expressed excitement at seeing past and present leaders of the association, recalling the journey of the awards scheme since its inception in 2015.
“On behalf of the Ghana Hotels Association, I say ayekoo to all of them. It is my prayer and hope that this special recognition will inspire and urge many more to contribute their quota to the aims and objectives of the Ghana Hotels Association, which includes advocacy, networking, capacity building, job creation, and projecting a positive image of the hotel industry in Ghana,” he said.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh
