Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra champions equal participation of autistic individuals in society
Since the UN General Assembly designated 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day in 2017, the lived experiences of autistic individuals are significantly brought to the fore of global conversations on this day. In particular, the promotion of their fundamental human rights and the call for equal access to healthcare, education, transportation and employment are pronounced themes aimed at driving awareness, acceptance and inclusion in society.
Key collaborations between advocates and institutions have been identified as viable means of bridging barriers to promote accessibility, equality and innovation for a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with special needs. On this day, the fruitful collaboration between Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra and Klicks Africa Foundation to realise this goal need be celebrated.
This initiative began in April 2024 as an internship programme under the hotel’s flagship corporate social responsibility programme, BE Health, and was designed to provide talented individuals with autism the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the hospitality industry.
What started as a pilot project has since evolved into a sustainable employment programme with the enrolment of three neurodivergent individuals, Renate Nana Yaa Ohenewa Kuffour, Prince Mike-Godfred Mensah and Nortey Quaynor into the luxury 5-star hotel’s workforce under key operational departments.
This set a new precedent in workplace inclusion, reinforcing Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra’s commitment to create an environment where everyone, regardless of their background or ability, feels welcomed, valued and respected.
Mary Amoah, the founder of Klicks Africa Foundation and mother of Nana Yaa, has long advocated for employment opportunities for individuals with special needs. However, as she recounted, securing these opportunities has often been a challenge.
‘When Nana Yaa turned eighteen, she became restless, eager to engage with the world beyond the comfort of home. I wrote to three leading companies, seeking employment or internship opportunities for her, but was met with rejection. It was disheartening, especially given these companies’ public commitment to inclusivity,’ she said.
That narrative changed when Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra opened its doors to not one, but three students from Klicks Africa Foundation, providing them with meaningful employment and a supportive environment.
‘There is a perception that Kempinski is exclusive to a select few, but my experience proved otherwise. The hotel welcomed my daughter and her peers with open arms, giving
them the same opportunities as any other employee. They are respected, valued and most importantly, included,’ Mary remarked.
Since joining the Kempinski team, Nana Yaa, Prince and Nortey have experienced remarkable personal and professional growth. Their confidences have soared, their communication skills have strengthened, and they have formed meaningful connections with their colleagues. On their days off, conversations often revolve around work, reflecting their sense of belonging.
Recognising the importance of adaptability, the hotel has created a flexible work schedule, allowing the three employees to contribute effectively while maintaining a healthy balance. More importantly, they are embraced as part of the Kempinski family, evident in the camaraderie shared during lunch breaks and daily interactions.
Mary expressed her profound gratitude to the management of Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra for not just accepting but wholeheartedly integrating her daughter and students into their workforce.
“This is a step toward a more inclusive society. If every organisation took the initiative to hire just one individual with autism, we would create a world where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive.”
‘Creating a sensory-friendly environment is just the beginning; true inclusivity comes from integrating neurodivergent individuals into our workforce. The more our team engages with neurodivergent colleagues, the better equipped they become to support neurodivergent guests,’ said Melissa Bediako, Director of Sales and Marketing at Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra.
Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra remains committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on inclusivity and equal opportunities. By fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity, the hotel continues to set a precedent for businesses looking to drive inclusivity and empower individuals with autism through meaningful employment.
By championing both guest and workforce inclusivity, Kempinski is setting a benchmark for innovation in Ghana’s tourism, paving the way for a more diverse and welcoming industry.
