Coconut Grove Regency Hotel Celebrates Staff Excellence at Annual Awards Dinner

The Coconut Grove Regency Hotel held its Annual Staff Party and Awards Dinner Dance on Saturday, January 18, 2026, recognising the dedication, professionalism, and teamwork of its employees. The event, a highlight of the hotel’s calendar, combined celebration, team building, and recognition of exceptional performance over the past year. Speaking at the ceremony, Purchasing and Stores Manager, Benedicta Tweneboah, lauded staff for their hard work and commitment. She described the gathering as an opportunity not only to celebrate achievements but also to strengthen bonds among colleagues and inspire motivation for the year ahead. “We appreciate one another for the dedication and teamwork we’ve shown throughout the past year. This gathering is also an opportunity to strengthen our bond as colleagues, share joy, and motivate ourselves for even greater achievement ahead,” she said. Chief Executive Officer Ralph Ayitey echoed these sentiments, praising the loyalty and professionalism of staff. He highlighted Coconut Grove’s enduring commitment to local production, leadership development, and national development. “You cannot talk about the global hospitality landscape without mentioning a Coconut Grove Hotel, whether in Accra, Elmina, Obuasi or Monrovia,” Mr Ayitey said. “The brand’s success is rooted in strong leadership and a motivated workforce.” Mr Ayitey also acknowledged the founders of the Coconut Grove brand, Dr and Mrs Papa Kwesi Ndoum, and commended Dr Nana Kweku Ndoum for his visionary leadership. He cited the hotel’s use of locally raised chicken for over 32 years, as well as locally grown rice, homemade fruit juices, and Ghanaian textiles for bed linens, napkins, and uniforms, emphasising the importance of promoting local content and value addition. The CEO urged the government to establish a national hotel training institute to develop hospitality supervisors and managers, and highlighted Coconut Grove’s participation in professional and development bodies, including the Ghana Hotels Association, the Association of Ghana Industries, and the Millennium Development Authority. “As a full-blooded Ghanaian who has risen through the ranks to leadership over nearly three decades, I stand as proof that when opportunities are given to Ghanaians, excellence follows,” Mr Ayitey said. The event also saw staff members recognised for their outstanding performance across multiple criteria, including attendance, teamwork and collaboration, quality of work, initiative and innovation, professionalism and grooming, accountability, and partnership. A member of the Conference Department, Desmond Adu Gyamfi was named Overall Best Worker for 2025, receiving a cash prize of GH¢3,500 and a two-night all-inclusive stay for two at a destination hotel. Mr Gyamfi, who joined Coconut Grove Regency as an intern in May 2024, expressed overwhelming gratitude. “I never imagined I would be the overall best worker for the year 2025. I am more than blessed and feel like a king,” he said, recalling his journey from Kumasi to achieving his dream. As a member of the Conference Department, Mr Gyamfi is involved in setting up conference spaces, including U-shaped and round-table arrangements, a role he says he carries out with pride and dedication. Expressing deep gratitude, he described the award as life-changing and a powerful motivation to do even The second-best employee received GH¢3,000 and a one-night all-inclusive stay for two, while the third-best employee received GH¢2,700 and dinner for two at a destination hotel. Other monthly awardees included: January: Emmanuel Neequaye Ahinakwah, Housekeeping February: Patience Tambagura Kurugu, Pastries (2nd Position) March: Nicholas Ehun Donkor April: Tawiah Narh, Transport May: Priscilla Oboshie Sai, Front Office June: Patience Cobbinah, Housekeeping July: Juliet Ashai, Accounts August: Paa Kwasi Sterlin, Front Office September: Felicia Dankwah, Housekeeping October: Fati Usman, Housekeeping (3rd Position) November: Desmond Adu Gyamfi, Conference (1st Position) December: David Boateng, Conference President of Groupe Nduom (GN) Ghana and Vice-Chairman of the Board, Dr Nana Kweku Nduom described staff as the foundation of Coconut Grove’s success. He emphasised that hospitality extends beyond fine dining and elegant rooms, noting that true service is rooted in consistency and making every guest feel valued. “Each role matters and each contribution counts. Excellence, discipline, teamwork, and pride in one’s work are what these awards represent,” he said. The celebration provided staff with an opportunity to unwind, strengthen team spirit, and reflect on their contribution to nearly three decades of growth and excellence in Ghana’s hospitality sector.