The Service Excellence Foundation, in partnership with the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, along with the Ghana Tourism Authority, successfully hosted the 4th edition of the NAKOFEST Industry Hospitality Leadership Breakfast Summit at Labadi Beach Hotel.
This year’s event, held under the theme “The Role of Mental Health and Wellbeing: A Catalyst to an Enhanced Work Environment for Business Growth in the Hospitality Industry,” aligned with both World Mental Health Day and the National Customer Service Week, celebrated annually by Ghana’s tourism and hospitality sectors in October.
The summit attracted a wide array of influential participants from the public and private sectors, including representatives from the Ghana Mental Health Authority, Ghana Health Service, trade associations in tourism and hospitality, academia, traditional rulers, and members of diplomatic missions.
Dr. Chi-Chi Ekhator, Vice President of Ascension Trust (United Kingdom), served as the special Chairperson for the occasion. Dr. Geoffrey Tamakloe, Director of Tourism, spoke on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Andrew Agyapa Mercer. In his remarks, Dr. Tamakloe stressed the importance of fostering open discussions about mental health in the workplace without fear or stigma, beginning with leaders. He added, “By prioritizing mental health and wellbeing, we can create a stronger, more resilient, and sustainable tourism sector in Ghana.”
Dr. Caroline Reindorf Amissah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Mental Health Authority, highlighted the alignment of the authority’s mandate with the summit’s theme, which includes implementing national mental health policies. She applauded the Service Excellence Foundation for taking the lead on this advocacy, stating, “As leaders in the hospitality sector, you have the unique opportunity to champion mental health and wellbeing by offering training programs, flexible work schedules, and open dialogue spaces that enhance productivity.”
Mr. Jones Aruna Nelson, Director of Corporate Affairs at the Ghana Tourism Authority, representing CEO Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the mental health of employees is crucial to the sector’s success and service delivery. He noted that the Ghana Tourism Authority would continue collaborating with the private sector to promote initiatives like these.
A key highlight of the summit was a panel discussion featuring speakers from the United Kingdom, the USA, and Ghana. The panel engaged the audience in an insightful dialogue centered on mental health in the hospitality industry.
In a heartwarming gesture, the foundation made a special donation of a wheelchair, food items, and cash to Madam Paula Mensah, a person with a disability from Ashiaman, Greater Accra, as part of their ongoing efforts to support the underprivileged.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Caleb Kofie, President of the Service Excellence Foundation and the National Tourism Customer Service Brand Ambassador for Ghana, emphasized the importance of mental health in improving employee engagement and customer satisfaction. He noted that the National Tourism Customer Service Festival (NAKOFEST), an annual event, serves to acknowledge industry employees and customers while addressing service delivery challenges.
Mr. Kofie added, “If the challenges of mental health and wellbeing are not properly addressed by business managers, employees’ motivation to serve customers better will suffer, directly impacting the industry.”
Other distinguished guests at the event included Her Excellency Rosemary Mbabazi (Rwanda High Commissioner to Ghana), Mr. Stephen Koley (South African High Commission), Madam Josiane Carine Tantchou (The French Embassy), Prof. Kwaku Adutwum Ayim Boakye (Vice Chancellor of Cape Coast Technical University), and Mr. Charles Adu Gyamfi (President of the Ghana Tourism Federation), among others.
SOURCE: http://dew360.net
Join our WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakDz4u9RZATWh53yC1a
