*Coconut Grove Regency Hotel, Accra (CGRH) last Friday held its annual dinner and awards night to recognise the hard work and dedication of its cherished staff. *

The event, which was held at the hotel in Accra, brought together staff, their families, Coconut Grove Board members and managers of Groupe Nduom conglomerate.

Deputy Minister for Tourism, Madam Abla Dzifa Gormashie, was also present to grace the occasion. Nana Anim, President of Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) and Mrs. Bela Ahu who is the Vice President of GHATOF was also present.

In his opening remarks, General Manager of the CGRH, Raphael M.K. Ayitey, thanked the owners of the hotel, Dr. and Mrs. Nduom, for their vision and support over the years, adding that they have been loyal to them [staff,] a phenomenon which is seldom seen in the industry and further expressed his appreciation to the hotel’s board.

“CGRH is the number one 'boutique hotel' in Ghana. Staff and the hotel’s suppliers have a job because the two [Dr. and Mrs. Nduom] made it possible,” he said.

Mr. Ayitey further divulged that foods served at the hotel are made from locally grown farm produce and that its infrastructural expansion projects are carried out by Ghanaians.

The General Manger assured government of the collection and payment of the VAT increment and requested for constant water and electricity supply at very reasonable rates than what is currently the case, a well trained human resource with employable skills in the industry, adding that it was about time the industry got some tax waivers.

He said the industry added GHS 1.7 billion to the economy, being the 4th highest foreign exchange income generator for Ghana.

Mr. Ayitey used the occasion to call on President John Dramani Mahama through the Deputy Minister to visit the Coconut Grove Beach Resort at Elmina whenever he decides to take a vacation. He suggested same for Government Ministers and other government functionaries. He reiterated that Ghana had a lot of rest and relaxation facilities that needed to be well packaged and promoted.

For her part, The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Ms. Dzifa Abla

Gomashie, lauded management of CGRH for recognising efforts of staff.

On the issue of water shortages, the Deputy Minister said it was as a result of people’s attitude toward the environment.

She charged Ghanaians to desist from using rubber bags since it has contributed to the poor sanitary conditions and degradation of the environment.

Chairperson for the CGRH’s board, Mrs. Yvonne Nduom, on her part thanked all present at the event, especially the staff and their families.

Cash prices and plaques were presented to hard working staff for each month [January-December] with the overall best worker taking home a 32-inch LCD TV and a seed capital for an investment with Gold Coast Fund Management Limited.

Coconut Grove Regency Hotel is a member of Groupe Nduom, which has over 16 companies under its ambit.