By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
The Minister of Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has urged hotels and hospitality businesses in Ghana to adopt eco-friendly practices or risk losing their place in the competitive global tourism market.
Speaking at the launch of the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel’s Green Stay Initiative in Accra last Friday, Mr Adjei stressed that sustainability was no longer optional but a necessity.
“Sustainability is no longer an option. It is a necessity across all sectors. Hotels that adopt it can reduce costs, strengthen resilience, and remain competitive in an increasingly sustainability-conscious global tourism market,” he said.
Mr Adjei noted that government had already rolled out frameworks such as the Environmental Protection Agency Act, National Building Regulations, Ghana Building Code, and the Tourism Act to guide sustainable practices.
He added that the state was also offering incentives including duty waivers on renewable energy equipment, investment support from the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), and training programmes with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Energy Commission.
“These measures are not just about compliance but about creating value and resilience across the sector,” he said.
Movenpick’s leadership role
The General Manager of Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel, Isaac Okpoti Adjei, highlighted that the hospitality industry significantly impacts the environment — from energy use to waste generation.
He revealed that Mövenpick’s parent group, Accor, with 5,700 hotels in 110 countries, was already integrating sustainability, with 80 per cent of hotels eliminating more than 50 single-use plastic products.
“We are developing low-carbon recipes, increasing vegetarian options, and partnering with local farmers to strengthen food value chains,” he said.
Locally, the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel has implemented energy-efficient lighting, water conservation measures, and partnerships with local suppliers as part of its eco-friendly strategy.
Mr Adjei described the initiative as a model that other hotels in Ghana must emulate to remain competitive globally.
