General Manager (GM) of Coconut Grove Regency (CGR,) a member of Coconut Grove Hotels of Groupe Nduom, Ralph Ayitey, has underscored the need for the central government to “pay serious attention to the hospitality industry” in the preparation of the 2015 Budget Statement, especially in the wake of falling oil and gold prices.

Mr. Ayitey made this remark in an address at the annual staff awards and dinner night at the country’s finest hotel, Coconut Grove Regency Hotel (CGRH) in Accra last week Friday.

He regretted that despite the little attention given the industry by central government, it has continued to be one of the highest income generators and contributors to the national economy employing several thousands of Ghanaians.

Mr. Ayitey advised that in the wake of falling crude and gold prices, if half of the attention given to the extraction sector is channeled to the hospitality sector, it will mitigate and stabilise the economy.

The GM of CGR used the opportunity to laud the hard work and resolve of staff of the hotel through a “difficult 2014.”

According to him, his outfit hotel has introduced a Life/Health insurance for staff; a birthday cake for each staff during their respective birthdays among others.

Speaking on the achievements of the hotel in 2014, he said Regency won several awards from the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI,) Ghana Tourism Authority and at the 10thTourism Awards.

He also disclosed that Groupe Ndoum, a conglomerate of which CGHs, is a member was awarded by the AGI for supporting the hospitality industry.

Mr. Ayitey paid complements to owners of the hotel, Dr. & Mrs. Nduom, loyal clients and GTA, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts for their support.

Best workers for the months of January to December 2014 were acknowledged while the best three workers in the 2014 were presented with citations and TV sets among others.

They were nominated by their departmental heads and voted for by colleagues. Mr. Sani Mohammed was adjudged the Best Worker in 2014; he went home with a citation, 32-inch LED TV, a GHC200.00 Wooden voucher and GHC200.00 investment at Gold Coast Fund Management Limited.

Stephen Asante and Gloria Melissa Mills came second and third respectively and went home with citations, 32-inch LED TV and decoders from First Digital TV. Overall winner, Mr. Mohammed thanked God, Dr. & Mrs. Nduom, his GM and his colleagues for voting for him.

Vice President, Legal, of Groupe Nduom, Mr. Chiefy Nduom, noted the Coconut Grove Hotels has moved forward despite the lack of constant water and electricity supply and infrastructure.

“The hotels has flourished despite these.…in countries like Philippines and India, government gives subsidies to people who want to venture into the hospitality industry, we should expect creativity from stakeholders in the industry,” he said.

He encouraged the staff to work harder this year.

The event was graced by President of Groupe Nduom (GN,) Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, Board Chair of CGRHs, Mrs. Yvonne Nduom, board members, senior management members of GN, the media and the families of staff.