On December 1, 2023, Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra marked the commencement of the festive season with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. This cherished event, now a tradition for the hotel, attracted a distinguished audience made up of guests, performers, and local dignitaries, creating an enchanting atmosphere that embodied the spirit of the holidays. The evening unfolded with lively performances from the hotel’s house band and the Kwan Pa Band, who delivered an array of festive tunes that set an exhilarating tone for the event. Significantly, His Royal Majesty, the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, served as the Guest of Honour and joined the hotel’s General Manager, Mr. Hanno Barkhoff, in the ceremonial lighting of the grand Christmas tree, symbolizing the official kickoff of the holiday celebrations.
During the event, Mr. Barkhoff welcomed the attendees with a heartfelt address emphasizing the hotel’s commitment to service and community engagement over the past decade. He expressed his gratitude to both guests and staff for their loyalty and support since the hotel’s inauguration. Speaking on the occasion of Kempinski’s near 10th anniversary, he reflected on their journey, highlighting how the hotel has become synonymous with hospitality and elegance in Accra. Mr. Barkhoff noted, “For nearly a decade, Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City has stood as a symbol of hospitality, elegance, craftsmanship, and service in the heart of Accra,” reaffirming their commitment to creating memorable experiences for their guests.
Looking toward the future, Mr. Barkhoff revealed exciting plans for 2025, which include the opening of a new à la carte restaurant and bar that will offer a unique blend of Asian and local cuisine, promising to enhance the hotel’s dining experience. He also reaffirmed the hotel’s ongoing dedication to corporate social responsibility, particularly through the BE Health program, which focuses on community wellbeing and health initiatives. This forward-looking vision not only highlights Kempinski’s commitment to culinary excellence but also its desire to remain actively engaged with the local community.
In a message conveyed by a representative, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II praised Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City for its achievements over the past decade, recognizing it as a shining example of hospitality excellence within Ghana. He commended the hotel for its impactful contributions to local tourism and community engagement, which resonate with the values of tradition and innovation. His words underscored the significant role that the hotel plays in enhancing the hospitality landscape in Accra, further elevating its status within the region.
The evening’s celebrations featured an impressive Christmas tree adorned with decorations crafted in collaboration with Adubea Jensen, a luxury Ghanaian brand known for its exquisite handmade accessories. Janet Adubea Jensen, the Creative Director and CEO, shared her creative inspiration behind the tree’s bead lights, which reflected themes of resilience, cultural heritage, and craftsmanship. “The Christmas tree tells the story of resilience, heritage, and exquisite craftsmanship with a blend of tradition, connection, and innovation,” she noted, emphasizing the cultural significance that beads hold in Ghanaian identity.
A highlight of the festive gathering involved the distribution of gifts by the Ga Mantse to children from the Akropong School for the Blind and the Street Children Empowerment Foundation, fostering a spirit of joy and giving during the holiday season. The ceremonial countdown to the lighting of the tree added to the excitement of the evening, while performances from the Akropong School for the Blind and a dazzling display by the Street Children Empowerment Foundation provided wholesome entertainment. The event reached a crescendo with a final performance by Ghanaian superstar singer Becca, who captivated the audience and left them in high spirits, perfectly encapsulating the jubilant essence of the festive season.
