In the evening of December 5, 2025, Sunlodge Hotel became a symbol of joy and celebration as it illuminated its first Christmas tree in the hotel’s 51-year history. This moment was not just about festive lights but a symbol of transformation within Ghana’s hospitality sector. With the ceremony marking the hotel’s achievement of three-star certification, the occasion represented an important chapter in the legacy of a family-owned business committed to serving their community and exemplifying local entrepreneurship.
The spirit of progress
As the evening unfolded, Jacquie Obeng-Ansong, the deputy CEO, pressed the button to unveil the inaugural Christmas tree, instantly filling the courtyard with dazzling lights. This act went beyond a simple switch; it was a moment of pride that encapsulated decades of toil and resilience. Among the sea of faces were distinguished guests, loyal patrons, and dedicated staff, all gathered to witness this remarkable milestone. The air was filled with excitement as the Winneba Youth Choir took center stage, their harmonious voices interlacing with the twinkling lights, creating an atmosphere rich with the promise of hope, unity, and shared dreams.
From humble beginnings to Resounding Success
The lighting of the tree was symbolic of the Obeng-Ansong family’s extraordinary journey. It began in 1974 with Richard and Matilda Obeng-Ansong’s modest eight-room guesthouse. Today, Sunlodge Hotel has blossomed into a thriving, three-star establishment with 48 rooms, each ornament on the tree a testament to the growth, perseverance, and unwavering dedication of a family that has committed themselves to excellence in hospitality.
“This tree symbolizes our journey,” Jacquie remarked during her address to the audience. “It’s a metaphor for how we started small but have grown into something that enlightens the entire industry.”
The significance of certification
Securing three-star certification is no small feat in the competitive landscape of Ghanaian hospitality. This designation reflects a rigorous evaluation of service quality, infrastructure, and guest experience. For Sunlodge Hotel, the certification serves as a validation of decades of hard work and ongoing dedication to providing exceptional service.
General Manager Joseph Daniel Denkyi elaborated on the importance of this milestone, stating, “Gaining three-star certification isn’t merely about our physical space or amenities. It’s about the human connection and the personalized service we’ve cultivated over the years.”
A celebration of culture
The celebrations continued with a Nine Lessons and Carols service that beautifully showcased cultural integration. The intersection of traditional Christmas narratives and the hotel’s rich history created a tapestry woven with shared experiences and aspirations. The Winneba Youth Choir captivated everyone, each carol resonating as a narrative thread that connected the hotel’s past, present, and envisioned future. Their melodious renditions communicated messages of perseverance and community spirit, reflecting the very essence of Sunlodge Hotel’s core values.
Blending tradition with technology
While the evening embraced tradition, there were also glimpses of modernity interspersed throughout the festivities. Digital displays chronicled the hotel’s extensive journey, and interactive screens provided guests with opportunities to engage with its history directly. Advanced audio systems ensured that the choir’s enchanting performance was crystal clear. This harmonious combination of tradition and technology exemplified Sunlodge’s commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing contemporary advancements.
The power of partnerships
A significant aspect of the tree-lighting ceremony was the presence of representatives from Prudential Bank and Cal Bank, long-time financial partners of the hotel. Their presence underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in nurturing indigenous enterprises. One representative remarked, “We didn’t merely provide financial backing; we firmly believed in their vision for transforming Ghanaian hospitality.”
Commitment to sustainability
The lighting of the tree was also a commitment to sustainability. Eco-friendly LED lights, decorations sourced locally, and efforts to minimize environmental impact underlined the hotel’s broader vision of responsible business practices. This dedication to the environment resonates deeply with the values of their community.
A sky of fireworks
As the night wore on, a breathtaking fireworks display lit up the Accra sky, with every firework bursting forth as a promise of continued growth, innovation, and community connection. As Mrs. Obeng-Ansong concluded her remarks, she encapsulated the evening’s atmosphere perfectly: “Tonight, we’re not simply illuminating a tree; we’re igniting possibilities and celebrating a future rich with hope and potential.”
The essence of African entrepreneurship
While the event marked a significant milestone for the hotel, it also echoed broader themes of African entrepreneurship. It illustrated how family-owned businesses can flourish and compete on an international level while staying true to their cultural roots. The Winneba Youth Choir’s final performance—a creative blend of traditional and modern melodies—further encapsulated this sentiment, reflecting the possibilities that exist when heritage and innovation intersect.
As the final notes lingered in the air and the Christmas tree continued to radiate its glow, Sunlodge Hotel was no longer just a three-star establishment; it stood as a beacon of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of vision. In that celebratory moment, it became clear that legacies are not merely inherited but are built through effort, passion, and dedication.
Spiritual reflectiveness: The sermon and benediction
The ceremonial depth of the evening was further enriched by the presence of Rev. Enoch Kofi Obuobi, the Kaneshie District Minister of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. His sermon transcended typical religious discourse, bringing forth a narrative of hope and community resilience. “Just as this Christmas tree rises from darkness, illuminating the night,” Rev. Obuobi shared, “our collective aspirations can also rise above challenges.”
He drew vital parallels between the hotel’s journey and biblical narratives, underscoring the roles of faith, vision, and community support. His words struck chords deeply resonant within the gathering, linking the hotel’s rich 51-year history with the broader themes of national progreand individual aspirations.
Following the sermon, Rev. Enoch Adjei Pobee, Chair of the Ga West Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, uplifted the audience with a powerful benediction. His prayer was not merely for the hotel but for the entire Ghanaian hospitality ecosystem, invoking divine guidance for ongoing growth and societal impact. “May this establishment continue to be a luminous beacon in our community, a testament to the impact of unwavering dedication,” Rev. Pobee intoned.
A spectacular night
With Rev. Pobee’s prayer echoing in the atmosphere, the night erupted into a spectacular display of fireworks. This wasn’t an ordinary fireworks show; rather, each burst seemed to represent Sunlodge Hotel’s journey—soft golden sparks symbolizing its humble beginnings, followed by vibrant bursts of color epitomizing growth and accomplishment. The grand display lasted 51 seconds, an intentional choice reflecting the significance of the hotel’s storied history.
From banking to a legacy in hospitality
The Obeng-Ansong family’s journey is a remarkable narrative of transformation. The official launch of Sunlodge Hotel’s three-star status during the Nine Lessons and Carols service is a culmination of dreams envisioned by Richard Emmanuel Obeng-Ansong, an investment banker who, alongside his wife Matilda, daringly entered the world of hospitality in the 1970s. Their modest beginnings have blossomed into a thriving enterprise that stands as a testament to indigenous Ghanaian entrepreneurship.
By merging banking discipline with the warmth of hospitality, the family has successfully navigated numerous challenges. Their unique blend of financial understanding and service excellence laid the groundwork for Sunlodge’s steady ascent.
Future vision for local hospitality
The three-star status propels the Obeng-Ansong family business into a new era, affirming its role as a beacon of indigenous success. It embodies their philosophy of melding traditional hospitality with modern amenities and integrating local cultural elements with international standards.
With the hotel’s slogan, “An Experience Worth Repeating,” they encapsulate a commitment to creating memorable experiences that foster lasting relationships. In a market deeply rooted in personal connections, this approach has proven effective, underscoring the importance of reputation in Ghana’s hospitality landscape.
Conclusion: A bright horizon
As the Christmas tree illuminated Sunlodge Hotel’s lobby during this auspicious celebration, it signified the bright future of indigenous Ghanaian hospitality businesses. The Obeng-Ansong family’s 51-year journey has inspired a new generation of local entrepreneurs eager to carve their paths in Ghana’s flourishing tourism sector. Their story illustrates that success is not just a product of skills and labor but also the result of blending professional excellence with authentic cultural values, nurturing relationships, and remaining committed to continuous improvement.
In its essence, the celebration at Sunlodge Hotel went beyond mere festivities, serving as a beacon of hope, resilience, and innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of Ghanaian hospitality. The gathering echoed a profound truth: that when passion meets purpose, significant transformations can illuminate even the darkest nights.
By Innocent Samuel Appiah
The post Sunlodge Hotel celebrates a new era in Ghanaian hospitality appeared first on Ghana Business News.
Read Full Story
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Google+
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS