Tourism and the hospitality industry marks first ever World Mental Health Day commemoraton in Ghana

The Service Excellence Foundation, under the auspices of the GHATOF in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Ghana Tourism Authority held the 4th NAKOFEST edition of the Industry Hospitality Leadership Breakfast Summit at the Labadi Beach Hotel.

As part of activities, this year’s theme ‘’The Role of Mental Health and Wellbeing; a Catalyst to an Enhanced Work Environment for Business Growth in the Hospitality Industry’’ coincided with World Mental Health Day and the National Customer Service Week observed yearly by the Tourism and the Hospitality Industry of Ghana in the month of October.

The event brought together key Captains of industry from the Public and Private sector institutions such as Ghana Mental Health Authority, Ghana Health Service, Tourism and Hospitality Trade Associations, members from the Diplomatic Missions, Academia and Traditional Rulers.

The special Chairperson for the occasion was Dr. Chi-Chi Ekhator, Vice President of Ascension Trust (United Kingdom).

On the other hand, Dr. Geoffrey Tamakloe (Director of Tourism) on behalf of the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Andrew Agyapa Mercer in his speech said, ’’we need to encourage open dialogue about mental health and wellbeing in our work places without fear or stigma which starts with our leaders’’. He further added ‘’let us work together to create a hospitality industry where every employee feels valued, supported and empowered to thrive. By priotizing mental health and wellbeing, we can build a stronger, more resilient, and more sustainable tourism sector in Ghana’’.

Also, Dr. Caroline Reindorf Amissah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Mental Health Authority in her address stated that, the work of Ghana Mental Health Authority is to formulate and implement national mental health advocacy policy programmes across all the regions of Ghana and this aligns with the focus of the summit.

Dr. Caroline therefore congratulated the Service Excellence Foundation for demonstrating a laudable strong advocacy leadership initiative.

She remarked that "As leaders in the hospitality sector, you have a unique opportunity to set the standard for mental health and wellbeing advocacy by implementing training programmes that seek to educate industry employees about mental wellness, offering flexible work schedules and creatings safe places which promotes open dialogue to enhance productivity’’.

Mr. Jones Aruna Nelson, Director of Corporate Affairs, Ghana Tourism Authority who represented the CEO, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, in his address said, ‘’as the sector strives to position Ghana as a premier tourism destination, the mental health and wellbeing of our employees cannot be overlooked as their contributions can directly impact quality of service delivery to visitors and business bottom lines".

He further stated that Ghana Tourism Authority recognises the role of mental health and wellbeing in driving business growth in the tourism and hospitality sector hence GTA will continue to collaborate with the private sector to promote such laudable initiatives.

The highlight of the Breakfast Summit was a special panel session with representation from the United Kingdom, USA and Ghana engaging audience with key focus on the theme for the occasion.

The foundation also made special donation of a Wheel Chair, food items and some cash amount to Madam Paula Mensah, a female person with disability from Ashiaman, in Greater Accra to mark the occasion as part of the foundation’s commitment to support the less privileged in the society.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Caleb Kofie, President of Service Excellence, also the National Tourism Customer Service Brand Ambassador for Ghana and Convener of NAKOFEST 2024 in his response said, "The National Tourism Customer Service Festival (Dubbed NAKOFEST) is a yearly commemorative event to appreciate industry employees and customers while using the occasion to take stock of service delivery challenges and working in partnership with business stakeholders to address in order to in enhance customer satisfaction.

He added that the theme for this year is to put the spotlight on the role of Mental Health and Wellbeing, its impact on employee engagement within the workplace and how it is proportionate to customer satisfaction. He stated that if the challenges of mental health and wellbeing is not address adequately by managers of business organisations, the motivation and of employees to serve customers or guests better within the industry can greatly diminish.

Other high profile dignitaries present on the occasion were 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), Mr. Charles Adu Gyamfi (President of Ghana Tourism Federation) among others.