From banking to hospitality: Obeng-Ansong family legacy reaches new heights with Sunlodge Hotel’s three-star achievement

Fifty-one-year family business journey culminates in prestigious certification as indigenous Ghanaian hotel sets benchmark for local hospitality excellence

A remarkable story of entrepreneurial transformation reached a new pinnacle on Friday, December 5, 2025, when Sunlodge Hotel officially launched its three-star status during an inaugural Nine Lessons and Carols service, marking 51 years since the Obeng-Ansong family made a bold leap from investment banking into Ghana’s hospitality industry. The celebration highlighted how a family’s vision has not only created a thriving business but also contributed significantly to building Ghana’s tourism infrastructure.

The achievement represents the fulfilment of a dream initiated by the late Richard Emmanuel Obeng-Ansong, an investment banker who, alongside his wife Matilda Obeng-Ansong, ventured into uncharted territory in 1974. Their decision to establish an eight-room hotel despite having no hospitality experience has evolved into a three-generation success story that exemplifies indigenous Ghanaian entrepreneurship.

Breaking industry barriers through family vision

The Obeng-Ansong family’s transition from financial services to hospitality was groundbreaking in 1970s Ghana, when the tourism sector was largely underdeveloped and dominated by international chains. Mrs. Matilda Obeng-Ansong, who currently serves as Board Chairman, has witnessed the transformation from the early days when the family operated their modest facility to becoming a recognised player in Ghana’s competitive hospitality market.

“The journey began 51 years ago when an investment banker, together with support from his wife, started this unchartered journey into hospitality – an area foreign to them as they were both bankers,” reflected Jacquie Obeng-Ansong during the ceremony, representing the second generation’s commitment to continuing the family legacy.

The family’s approach combined banking sector discipline with hospitality warmth, creating a unique operational philosophy that has sustained the business through five decades of economic changes, political transitions and market evolution. This blend of financial acumen and service excellence became the foundation for Sunlodge’s gradual but consistent growth.

Expanding Ghana’s hospitality landscape

The Obeng-Ansong family’s impact on Ghana’s hospitality sector extends far beyond Sunlodge Hotel. Their success with the property led to broader contributions to the industry, including the establishment of Novotel Hotel in 1988, which later became Accra City Hotel. Richard Emmanuel Obeng-Ansong served as founding Board Chairman and shareholder, helping to introduce international hospitality standards to Ghana’s capital city.

The family also founded Sunseekers Tours, which grew to become one of Ghana’s leading tour companies, creating a comprehensive tourism ecosystem that supported both accommodation and travel services. This diversification demonstrated the family’s understanding that sustainable tourism development required multiple touchpoints in the visitor experience.

During the early years, Sunlodge Hotel achieved recognition as a host property for international airline crews, including KLM, establishing credibility within the global travel industry. This achievement was particularly significant for an indigenous Ghanaian property competing with international hotel chains for prestigious contracts.

Generational continuity and modern adaptation

The death of founder Richard Emmanuel Obeng-Ansong 25 years ago marked a critical transition period that tested the family’s commitment to the hospitality business. Rather than retreat from the industry, the family doubled down on their investment, with “a breed of young managers” taking on the challenge of expanding the property while maintaining service standards.

Current CEO Kwame Ansong, who participated in reading lessons during the celebration alongside a host of dignitries, represents the new generation’s leadership approach. Under this management, the hotel has evolved from 8 rooms to 12, then 27; and currently operates 48 rooms, with each expansion carefully planned to maintain quality while increasing capacity.

The systematic growth reflects the family’s banking background, emphasising sustainable development over rapid expansion. This measured approach has enabled the hotel to maintain financial stability while investing in infrastructure improvements necessary to achieve three-star standards.

Cultural integration and community building

The choice to launch the three-star status through a Nine Lessons and Carols service demonstrates the family’s commitment to integrating Ghanaian cultural and religious traditions with international hospitality practices. The ceremony featured Rev. Dr. G.O. Kwapong, Sakumono District Minister of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, offering prayers for the hotel’s future, while the Winneba Youth Choir provided musical enhancement.

This cultural integration extends to the hotel’s operational philosophy, where traditional Ghanaian hospitality values are combined with international service standards. The approach has created a distinctive guest experience that appeals to both domestic and international visitors seeking authentic Ghanaian warmth within a professional hospitality setting.

Board member Mr. Oduro Nyarko and Food & Beverage Manager Mrs. Janet Obilie participated in the lessons, demonstrating how the family business has evolved to include professional managers while maintaining family oversight and values.

Indigenous business development model

The Obeng-Ansong family’s success story serves as a model for indigenous business development in Ghana’s tourism sector. Their approach emphasises long-term relationship building with financial partners, including Prudential Bank and Cal Bank, whose support has been crucial in funding expansion projects and operational improvements.

The family’s commitment to human capital development has created a ripple effect throughout Ghana’s hospitality industry. Many former Sunlodge employees have advanced to management positions in other hotels, spreading the operational excellence and service culture developed within the family business.

General Manager Joseph Daniel Denkyi emphasised this legacy during the celebration, noting that some staff members have maintained loyalty to the hotel for over two decades, creating an institutional memory that supports consistent service delivery across generational changes.

Future vision and industry impact

The three-star certification positions the Obeng-Ansong family business for continued growth while maintaining its role as an indigenous success story. The achievement validates their approach of combining family values with professional management, traditional hospitality with modern amenities, and local cultural integration with international standards.

The hotel’s slogan, “An Experience Worth Repeating,” encapsulates the family’s philosophy of creating memorable experiences that build lasting relationships with guests. This approach has proven particularly effective in Ghana’s market, where personal relationships and reputation significantly influence business success.

Legacy of excellence

As the Christmas tree illuminated Sunlodge Hotel’s lobby during the celebration, it symbolised not just seasonal festivities but the bright future of indigenous Ghanaian hospitality businesses. The Obeng-Ansong family’s 51-year journey from banking to three-star hospitality excellence demonstrates that with vision, persistence and commitment to quality, local entrepreneurs can compete successfully in international markets.

The family’s story continues to inspire other indigenous businesses seeking to establish themselves in Ghana’s growing tourism sector, proving that success comes through combining professional excellence with authentic cultural values and long-term relationship building.

Their achievement represents more than business success; it embodies the potential of Ghanaian entrepreneurship to create lasting value while contributing meaningfully to national economic development through tourism.

The event drew a vibrant crowd from the local community and beyond, who gathered in anticipation of the evening’s activities.

Rev. Enoch Kofi Obuobi’s inspiring sermon

The Enoch Kofi Obuobi, the Kaneshie District Minister of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, delivered uplifting sermons that emphasised the importance of togetherness and gratitude during the holiday season. He delivered a poignant sermon that resonated profoundly with the audience at the Sunlodge Hotel’s celebration. He opened his message by invoking the spirit of unity, urging attendees to recognise the essential nature of community during the festive season.

The Reverend Minister emphasised that Christmas is not just a time of merriment but a profound reminder of love, compassion and the importance of coming together to support one another. His heartfelt words encouraged everyone to look beyond their individual circumstances and foster connections that uplift and empower those around them.

Continuing his sermon, Rev. Obuobi spoke eloquently about the significance of light, which he described as a beacon of hope in a world often overshadowed by darkness. He drew parallels between the physical illumination of Christmas lights and the spiritual enlightenment that can be found in faith. By reflecting on the idea that Jesus is the light of the world, he reminded listeners that embracing this light can lead to transformation in their lives and communities. His reflection served not only to inspire individual growth but also to ignite a collective spirit of renewal and purpose among those gathered.

As the sermon reached its climax, Rev. Obuobi called on attendees to carry the Christmas spirit throughout the year, reminding them that the lessons of faith and togetherness are not confined to the holiday season. He illustrated how acts of kindness and compassion could turn into a powerful movement that impacts both the local community and beyond. His closing remarks invited everyone to commit to embodying the teachings of love and generosity that the Christmas season represents, ensuring that the light of hope continues to shine brightly in their lives and those of others.

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