Management of Labadi Beach Hotel has a community feast at the Al Aziz Central Mosque at Burma Camp, as part of a broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme aimed at giving back to key stakeholders and long-standing partners.
Held on Friday, July 31, the initiative also forms part of a series of activities leading to the hotel's 35th anniversary celebration.
In a van carrying 200 packed rice meals, drinks and bottled water, staff of the hotel, led by the Head of Marketing, Ekua Zara Ghartey-Tsagli, arrived at the Al Aziz Central Mosque to share meals with worshippers ahead of their Friday Jumu'ah prayers.
Community engagement
Speaking at the event, Mrs Ekua Zara Ghartey-Tsagli said the Labadi Beach Hotel, one of Ghana's premier hospitality establishments, officially opened on August 22, 1991, and is marking 35 years of operations through appreciation and community engagement.
According to Mrs Ghartey-Tsagli, the decision to donate to the Al Aziz Central Mosque was influenced by the hotel's enduring relationship with the Ghana Armed Forces, which has provided support to the hotel since its establishment.
She explained that the feast was intended to share love with the Muslim community while expressing gratitude for the longstanding support the hotel has received over the years.
"We decided to give alms to the Central Mosque and share love with our brothers and sisters. It is our way of showing appreciation and celebrating the strong relationship we have built over the years," she said.
She stressed that the gesture was not intended as repayment but rather a symbolic expression of goodwill, adding that the hotel is committed to strengthening its relationship with the armed forces and the surrounding communities.
Staff appreciation
She also stated that the anniversary celebrations are intended to recognise the dedication, passion and sacrifices of workers who have contributed to the hotel's growth over the years.
"This is a time of celebration, appreciation and sharing. We want to thank everyone who has contributed to our journey over the past 35 years, especially our staff, whose commitment has made this milestone possible," she said.
She further used the occasion to express gratitude to the hotel's shareholders, Board of Directors, Managing Director, Mr David Eduaful, management team and staff, describing employees as the backbone of the hotel's success.
Other activities
Mrs Ghartey-Tsagli outlined several other activities being undertaken to commemorate the milestone anniversary.
These she said include a clean-up exercise around the Labadi Beach Hotel premises, the beachfront and surrounding areas to promote environmental cleanliness and enhance the community.
The hotel also organised a staff photo session earlier in July, bringing together employees from all departments, management and members of the Board of Directors to document memories and celebrate the people who have contributed to the hotel's success over the past three and a half decades.
As part of the anniversary activities, management also paid a courtesy call on the traditional council, presenting drinks and cash gifts in appreciation of the land on which the hotel was built and the cordial relationship that has existed since 1991.
She described the traditional authorities as family, noting that they have consistently supported the hotel whenever needed.
The anniversary activities will culminate in the celebration of Labadi Beach Hotel's 35th anniversary on August 22, highlighting its legacy in Ghana's hospitality industry and its continued commitment to community development and stakeholder engagement, she added.
Apreciation
The Assistant Director of Religious Affairs at the Ghana Navy Headquarters, Lieutenant Mohammed Bisbao Said commended Labadi Beach Hotel for extending its 35th anniversary celebrations to the Al-Aziz Central Mosque, describing the gesture as a meaningful act of community support.
Speaking after receiving the items, expressed appreciation that the hotel chose the Al-Aziz Central Mosque despite the many mosques located between Labadi and Burma Camp, saying the decision demonstrated that the mosque and the Ghana Armed Forces remained valued partners.
"We are very grateful because from Labadi to this place there are many mosques, yet they chose to come here. When someone remembers you in this way, it shows that you are in their thoughts, and we sincerely appreciate that," he said.
Lt. Said explained that the donation was received on behalf of the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), who serves as the spiritual head and patron of the Armed Forces mosques.
According to him, such acts of goodwill help strengthen relationships and could influence future collaborations between the Ghana Armed Forces and the hotel.
"I will inform the Chief of the Defence Staff about what Labadi Beach Hotel has done today. When opportunities arise in future to patronise a hotel for programmes or events, this gesture will certainly be remembered," he said.
He encouraged the hotel to continue investing in communities through similar charitable initiatives, stressing that organisations that give back to society are rewarded with continued blessings and public goodwill.
Lt. Said also praised Labadi Beach Hotel's reputation for excellence but suggested that management should work to change the perception that the hotel is only for the wealthy.
The match changed early in the second half when Tanzania were reduced to 10 players.
Ubamba, who had scored the late winner against South Africa in the opening game, was shown a red card in the 55th minute.
It was a major setback for the Twiga Stars, who were already trailing and now had to chase the match with one player fewer.
But Tanzania refused to collapse.
In the 62nd minute, Mnunka equalised to make it 1-1 and give her team hope of extending their unbeaten start to the tournament.
The goal underlined Tanzania’s fighting spirit and continued their record of every TotalEnergies WAFCON match they have played producing goals.
"Everyone speaks highly of Labadi Beach Hotel because of its standards. However, many people think it is too expensive for them. I believe the hotel should help change that perception so that more people know they are welcome," he said.
