The Service Excellence Foundation, in partnership with GHATOF, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and the Ghana Tourism Authority, hosted the 4th edition of NAKOFEST’s Industry Hospitality Leadership Breakfast Summit at Labadi Beach Hotel.
This year’s theme, “The Role of Mental Health and Wellbeing: A Catalyst for an Enhanced Work Environment and Business Growth in the Hospitality Industry,” aligned with World Mental Health Day and National Customer Service Week, both observed annually by Ghana’s Tourism and Hospitality Industry in October.
The event gathered influential leaders from both the public and private sectors, including representatives from the Ghana Mental Health Authority, Ghana Health Service, tourism and hospitality trade associations, diplomatic missions, academia, and traditional rulers.
Dr. Chi-Chi Ekhator, Vice President of Ascension Trust (UK), served as the special chairperson for the occasion.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Andrew Agyapa Mercer, Dr. Geoffrey Tamakloe (Director of Tourism) emphasized the importance of encouraging open discussions about mental health in the workplace without fear or stigma, starting with leadership. He urged collaboration to foster a hospitality industry where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. “By prioritizing mental health and wellbeing, we can create a stronger, more resilient, and sustainable tourism sector in Ghana,” he added.
Dr. Caroline Reindorf Amissah, Deputy CEO of the Ghana Mental Health Authority, highlighted that the authority’s role in formulating and implementing national mental health advocacy policies aligns with the summit’s focus. She commended the Service Excellence Foundation for its strong leadership in advocacy and urged leaders in the hospitality sector to set standards by providing mental health training, flexible work schedules, and safe spaces for open dialogue to enhance productivity.
Mr. Jones Aruna Nelson, Director of Corporate Affairs at the Ghana Tourism Authority, representing CEO Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, emphasized that the mental health and wellbeing of employees is crucial as the sector seeks to position Ghana as a premier tourism destination. He affirmed the Ghana Tourism Authority’s commitment to collaborating with the private sector to promote such important initiatives, as the wellbeing of employees directly impacts service quality and business success.
The highlight of the Breakfast Summit was a special panel session featuring representatives from the United Kingdom, USA, and Ghana, who engaged the audience with discussions centered on the event’s theme. As part of its commitment to supporting the less privileged, the Service Excellence Foundation made a special donation of a wheelchair, food items, and a cash gift to Madam Paula Mensah, a woman with a disability from Ashaiman in the Greater Accra Region.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Caleb Kofie, President of Service Excellence, National Tourism Customer Service Brand Ambassador for Ghana, and Convener of NAKOFEST 2024, explained, “The National Tourism Customer Service Festival (dubbed NAKOFEST) is an annual event aimed at appreciating industry employees and customers. It also serves as an opportunity to reflect on service delivery challenges and collaborate with business stakeholders to address them in order to enhance customer satisfaction.”
He further emphasized that this year’s theme focuses on the role of mental health and wellbeing, its impact on employee engagement in the workplace, and how it correlates with customer satisfaction. He stressed that if mental health and wellbeing challenges are not adequately addressed by business managers, employee motivation to serve customers or guests in the industry could significantly decline.
Other notable dignitaries 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), Dr. Chi-Ekhator (Vice Chair of Ascension Trust-UK), Prof. Kwaku Adutwum Ayim Boakye (Vice Chancellor of Cape Coast Technical University, Ghana), and Mr. Charles Adu Gyamfi (President of the Ghana Tourism Federation), among others.