Illuminating a Legacy: The Obeng-Ansong Family Celebrates 51 Years of Transformative Hospitality at Sunlodge Hotel

On December 5, 2025, the air around Sunlodge Hotel was filled with a palpable sense of achievement as the hotel marked an extraordinary milestone—the official launch of its three-star status during a Nine Lessons and Carols service. This event was not just a celebration of lights and music; it was a commemoration of a remarkable 51-year journey that began with the Obeng-Ansong family’s courageous leap from the banking sector into the uncharted waters of Ghanaian hospitality.Illuminating a Legacy: The Obeng-Ansong Family Celebrates 51 Years of Transformative Hospitality at Sunlodge Hotel Illuminating a Legacy: The Obeng-Ansong Family Celebrates 51 Years of Transformative Hospitality at Sunlodge Hotel

As the twinkling lights of the hotel’s first Christmas tree shimmered in the evening air, it served as a vivid metaphor for the family’s journey—a journey illuminated by the principles of dedication, resilience, and love for their community. This event heralded not only a significant achievement for the hotel but also symbolized the profound impact of the family’s vision on Ghana’s tourism infrastructure.
Back in 1974, when Richard Emmanuel Obeng-Ansong and his wife Matilda decided to establish an eight-room guesthouse, little did they know they were planting the seeds of a legacy that would blossom over five decades. Armed with courage but lacking in hospitality experience, they embarked on a venture that would soon defy the expectations of their peers and establish a benchmark for local hospitality. Their story demonstrates that great successes often begin with risk-taking and determination, opening doors to unforeseen opportunities.
The transition from investment banking to hospitality was not merely an occupational change but a groundbreaking shift in a time when Ghana’s tourism sector was still in its formative years, dominated by international chains. Matilda’s experience in the family business as the Board Chairman is a testament to the family’s steadfast commitment. Reflecting on the transition, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Jacquie Obeng-Ansong expressed pride in the family’s unique journey. “This venture began with an investment banker and his supportive wife stepping into a field they knew little about. Yet here we are today, celebrating a remarkable milestone.”
The family’s approach married the discipline and financial insight gained from years of experience in banking with the warmth and essence of hospitality. It was this blend that fueled Sunlodge’s gradual yet steady growth. The family navigated through economic fluctuations, political changes, and shifting market dynamics with an unwavering belief that quality service and authentic hospitality could set them apart in a competitive landscape.

The significance of the three-star certification achieved by Sunlodge Hotel extends well beyond the walls of the property. It stands as a beacon for what indigenous businesses can achieve when they combine vision with execution. The family not only excelled in running their establishment but went on to shape the entire Ghanaian hospitality landscape. Their venture into the industry catalyzed the establishment of Novotel Hotel in 1988, later known as Accra City Hotel. Richard’s role as the founding Board Chairman facilitated the infusion of international hospitality standards into Accra, raising the bar for local businesses.
The Obeng-Ansong family’s entrepreneurial vision further materialized with the creation of Sunseekers Tours, cementing their belief in a comprehensive tourism ecosystem that encompassed accommodations, travel, and cultural experiences. Their foresight in recognizing the interconnected components of tourism allowed them to cultivate a more sustainable industry that goes beyond mere transactional relationships with guests.
In the early years, Sunlodge Hotel gained recognition as a host property for international airline crews, notably KLM. This was significant for an indigenous business competing with established international chains for prestigious contracts, solidifying its credibility on a global stage.
The passing of Richard Emmanuel Obeng-Ansong 25 years ago could have marked a downturn for the family business. Instead, it acted as a catalyst for renewal and revitalization. Instead of retreating from the industry, they devoted themselves even more passionately to hospitality, nurturing a new breed of young managers to take on the challenge of expanding the hotel. The current CEO, Kwame Ansong, embodies this generational shift, leading the hotel with a fresh perspective while honoring the family’s established values. Through careful planning, hotel operations grew from eight rooms to a current capacity of 48. Each expansion was thoughtful and strategic, ensuring quality remained paramount even as the hotel diversified its offerings.
This deliberate growth strategy reflects the family’s financial discipline, emphasizing sustainable development over rapid expansion. By merging operational excellence with a culture of service, they set lofty standards not just for themselves but for the entire industry.
At the centre of their business ethos is an unwavering commitment to cultural integration, a principle that was beautifully showcased during the Nine Lessons and Carols service. The blending of Ghanaian cultural and religious traditions with hospitality practices illustrated the family’s desire to create a distinct yet welcoming atmosphere for both local and international visitors. The service featured the Winneba Youth Choir, weaving together music and narrative that resonated with authenticity and cultural pride.
Their approach to hospitality emphasizes not just the provision of quality service but also the creation of memorable experiences that reflect Ghanaian warmth and traditions. Serving guests on the foundation of values that transcend mere transactional interactions aligns perfectly with their vision of hospitality. Board member Mr. Oduro Nyarko and Food & Beverage Manager Mrs. Janet Obilie participating in the lessons emphasized how the commitment to excellence is a shared family and staff ethos.

Moreover, the Obeng-Ansong family’s success serves as an indigenous model for business development in Ghana’s local tourism sector. Their long-term relationships with financial partners such as Prudential Bank and Cal Bank have enabled them to achieve ambitious expansion projects and necessary operational improvements. Beyond financial dealings, their dedication to human capital development has left a significant imprint on Ghana’s hospitality landscape. Many former employees of Sunlodge have advanced to key positions within other hotels, carrying forward a culture of excellence established at the family-run property.
“Many of our staff have remained loyal to Sunlodge for more than two decades, allowing us to build an institutional memory that supports consistent service delivery,” General Manager Joseph Daniel Denkyi remarked. Such loyalty is a testament to the nurturing familial culture that has become synonymous with the hotel.
As the family celebrated the achievement of the three-star certification, the event was punctuated by an uplifting sermon delivered by Rev. Enoch Kofi Obuobi. His words resonated deeply with those present, emphasizing themes of unity, compassion, and the essential role of community during the holiday season. Rev. Obuobi ushered in an atmosphere of togetherness, reminding attendees that the essence of Christmas is not merely in festivities, but in the love and connections fostered among people.
The reverend highlighted the transformative power of light, drawing parallels between the physical illumination of the Christmas tree and the spiritual enlightenment that can be found in faith. His profound sermon called on everyone to carry the spirit of Christmas throughout the year, fostering kindness and generosity beyond the holiday season.
Concluding the evening, the Chair of the Ga West Presbytery, Rev. Enoch Adjei Pobee, offered a powerful benediction before the night culminated in spectacular fireworks. Each explosion painted the sky above the hotel, symbolizing the joyous occasion and the promising future for the Obeng-Ansong family and their legacy.
As the echoes of the gala celebration slowly faded, it became evident that Sunlodge Hotel stands not just as a three-star establishment, but as a beacon of hope, exemplifying the extraordinary heights achievable through persistence, passion, and planning. Their story serves as an inspiration for other indigenous businesses in Ghana, proving that success can be realized through an unwavering commitment to excellence, rooted in cultural authenticity, and guided by a vision that sees beyond immediate gains to long-term impact. Sunlodge Hotel represents the potential for Ghanaian entrepreneurship to create lasting value in the tourism sector while contributing positively to the nation’s economy. In its heart, it continues to house the dreams of a family that dared to dream beyond banking, redefining the contours of Ghanaian hospitality.