By Innocent Samuel APPIAH
In a vibrant celebration of community spirit and corporate social responsibility, Sunlodge Hotel marked its 50th anniversary with a heartfelt donation to the Dzorwulu Special School. The event, held on the school’s grounds, was a joyous occasion that not only highlighted the hotel’s commitment to giving back but also united two institutions with rich histories in Ghana.
A Warm Welcome
The ceremony commenced with an enthusiastic welcome from Mr. Frederick Tetteh, headmaster of Dzorwulu Special School. The school’s compound buzzed with excitement as pupils, dressed in their uniforms, gathered with bright smiles and eager anticipation. Mr. Tetteh’s speech resonated with gratitude, emphasizing the long-standing relationship between the school and Sunlodge Hotel.
“For over two decades, Sunlodge Hotel has been more than just a supporter; they’ve been family,” he stated emotionally. “Their consistent presence reminds us that we are not alone in this journey. As we often say, government alone can’t do it all for us, and partners like Sunlodge make all the difference.”
A Commitment to Social Causes
The atmosphere intensified as Mr. Kwame Obeng-Ansong, CEO of Sunlodge Hotel, took the stage. His passionate address reflected on the hotel’s legacy and its unwavering dedication to social causes. “Watching these special children develop and thrive gives us immeasurable satisfaction,” he declared, scanning the sea of expectant faces. “It takes more than just money to make a difference—it takes heart, dedication, and genuine care.”
As if to embody his words, a group of students spontaneously broke into dance, infectious joy radiating throughout the crowd. Staff from both the school and the hotel joined in, transforming the formal ceremony into a jubilant celebration.
A Personal Touch
Mrs. Jacqueline Obeng-Ansong, a Director of Sunlodge Hotel, brought a personal touch to the event. Speaking as both a corporate leader and a mother, she acknowledged the unique challenges faced by parents of children with special needs. Her heartfelt words resonated deeply with the audience, eliciting nods of agreement from many present.
The Donation
The donation itself was awe-inspiring. As each item—from bags of rice to medical supplies—was announced, cheers erupted from the crowd. The pupils’ eyes widened with each reveal, while teachers exchanged grateful glances. The generosity of Sunlodge Hotel, along with partners like Special Ice, Papaye Enterprise, and Entrance Pharmaceuticals, was evident in the sheer volume and variety of donated goods.
In a touching moment, older students assisted in arranging the donations, their faces beaming with pride. This act of involvement embodied the hotel’s philosophy of engaging and empowering the community.
Looking Ahead
The celebration reached its apex when Mrs. Obeng-Ansong announced plans to expand the hotel’s corporate social responsibility initiatives. News of future support for the Ghana Federation for the Disabled and other special schools across the country was met with a standing ovation, bringing tears of joy to many.
As the event concluded, a local clergy member led a heartfelt prayer, uniting everyone—pupils, teachers, hotel staff, and guests—in a circle of hope and blessing for both the hotel and the school.
A Joyful Conclusion
The day wrapped up with another round of dancing, as hotel executives discarded their formal demeanor to join the festivities. The joy was contagious, drawing curious onlookers from the neighborhood and creating a sense of community that transcended the event itself.
As the sun set, casting a golden glow over the celebration, it became evident that this occasion was more than just a donation; it was a reaffirmation of Sunlodge Hotel’s commitment to making a positive impact. The smiles on the faces of the children, the gratitude in the eyes of the teachers, and the fulfillment radiating from hotel staff illustrated a successful blend of corporate responsibility and genuine human connection.
This golden jubilee at Dzorwulu Special School stands as a shining example of how businesses can play a crucial role in supporting education and social welfare, especially for vulnerable groups.
As Sunlodge Hotel embarks on its next 50 years, it does so not only as a thriving business but as a vital community partner, dancing in step with those it serves and supports. Meanwhile, Dzorwulu Special School continues its mission of providing quality education to children with special needs, strengthened by these invaluable partnerships.
