Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has called on businesses and individuals to prioritise the use of Ghanaian-made goods in the hospitality industry to support local industries and drive national economic growth.

The minister made the appeal during her keynote address at the annual Dinner and Awards Night organised by the management of Coconut Grove Hotel to honour its staff for their hard work and dedication.

Held on the hotel’s premises, the event featured a series of fun-filled activities and the presentation of awards to outstanding employees.

Gomashie seized the opportunity to emphasise the importance of local sourcing in addressing Ghana’s import dependency challenges and fostering a resilient local economy.

She urged businesses in the hospitality industry to explore partnerships with local producers for essential items such as furniture, soaps, and lotions.

“By sourcing locally, businesses can directly contribute to the growth of our economy while creating sustainable opportunities for Ghanaian producers,” the minister stated.

She cited Coconut Grove Hotel as a prime example of a business successfully integrating local products into its operations, encouraging other businesses to follow suit.

Dzifa Gomashie also highlighted the significant role of tourism in Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and commended businesses like Coconut Grove Hotel for their contributions to the sector.

She expressed her commitment to supporting multi-generational Ghanaian enterprises, and called on the hotel to incorporate the government’s “Black Star Experience” programme into its strategic planning.

The initiative, which aimed at driving innovation and change, aligns with the ministry’s vision for a vibrant and sustainable tourism industry.

On his part, Dr. Kweku Nduom, Vice President of Groupe Nduom Ghana, emphasised the contributions of the staff to the hotel’s success and encouraged them to remain steadfast in their efforts.

He reiterated the company’s philosophy of sharing its success with all stakeholders, including shareholders, staff, and their families.

Dr. Nduom also highlighted the hotel’s tradition of recognising top performers, expressing confidence in another successful year ahead.

At the event, staff members were honoured for their outstanding performance throughout the year.

Joyce Kyeremateng was named the Best Worker for 2024, while Samuel Donkor and Samuel Massillino took second and third positions respectively.

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