The CEO of Groupe Nduom, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom believes more urgency on the part of relevant state institutions could have lessened the damage caused by the fire that ravaged parts of his Coconut Grove Regency Hotel in Accra.
In a Facebook post, he suggested the need for reforms with respect to the attitude of these state institutions in the face of similar disasters.
“I have a heavy heart because though accidents do happen, this fire should not have caused so much damage and destruction. We have a lot to do to reform our state institutions and attitude to working with urgency when we are confronted with problems.”
It took the combined efforts of personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service and the Fire Department of the Ghana Air Force more than three hours to contain the fire which started around 4.30pm.
Although the cause of the fire is yet to be known, the company said initial information it gathered indicates a spark of fire from an air-conditioning unit led to the unfortunate incident.
Dr. Nduom’s Facebook post also lauded his staff for the role they played in overcoming the fire saying, “we have an amazing team of management and staff. The teamwork they have demonstrated to ensure that the Regency Hotel fire challenge is overcome quickly has been wonderful to observe. They are living the Spiritual Guidance we teach all our employees.”
“I am grateful to government officials, friends, politicians from all political parties, religious leaders, businessmen and women and others for their encouragement and concerns,” the post added.
GN Bank, Gold Coast Securities, Amansan TV and Business Television Africa were ravaged by fire on Saturday evening but Mr. Nduom indicated that some level normalcy has returned to these businesses.
“First Digital TV is back on air and ATV and BTA are broadcasting. The affected GN Bank and Gold Coast Fund Management branches will be open today [Monday] for business next door. Our customers’ funds and data are safe. Our disaster recovery procedures have worked well. We are awake to the need to continuously take preventive measures to protect life and property.”
The guest rooms and conference facilities of the Coconut Grove Regency Hotel itself were not affected by the fire.
As far as my faith will take me, I give thanks to God. This has been one of the most difficult months for me as an entrepreneur ever and for my family.
Still we stand ready to keep moving on, positively. We owe our ability to do this to many, many well-wishers from near and far who encourage us and support our enterprises. I am thankful for our loyal customers and business partners who have gone beyond their personal interests to stand by us no matter what.
We have an amazing team of management and staff. The teamwork they have demonstrated to ensure that the Regency Hotel fire challenge is overcome quickly has been wonderful to observe. They are living the Spiritual Guidance we teach all our employees:
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I am grateful to government officials, friends, politicians from all political parties, religious leaders, businessmen and women and others for their encouragement and concerns.
I have a heavy heart because though accidents do happen, this fire should not have caused so much damage and destruction. We have a lot to do to reform our state institutions and attitude to working with urgency when we are confronted with problems.
First Digital TV is back on air and ATV and BTA are broadcasting. The affected GN Bank and Gold Coast Fund Management branches will be open today for business next door. Our customers’ funds and data are safe. Our disaster recovery procedures have worked well. We are awake to the need to continuously take preventive measures to protect life and property.
Our Groupe Nduom spirit is well and alive.
I am grateful for the prayers, good wishes and encouragement.
God bless all of us.
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(Via: CitiFM Online Ghana)
