Award-winning hospitality professional Jael Akyeampong has highlighted the challenges women face in building careers within Ghana’s tourism and hospitality industry.
According to Akyeampong, women in the sector often have to put in extra effort to demonstrate their competence and earn recognition, particularly while managing demanding professional and family responsibilities.
Akyeampong, who has more than 10 years of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry, is the General Manager of RB Park-Hill Hotel.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Hospitality Business Management from the University of Derby in the United Kingdom. Her professional experience includes working with travel agencies in the UK, an internship at JW Marriott in Central London and employment with Marriott Hotel Accra.
Beyond hotel management, Akyeampong is the founder and CEO of The Haven Honeymoon Concierge, a travel agency, and has been recognised for her contributions to the hospitality industry.
Her awards include Most Admired Female Hospitality Professional at the Hospitality Awards Ghana in 2021 and Most Outstanding Female in Hospitality at the Feminine Ghana Achievement Awards.
Akyeampong has also dedicated part of her career to mentoring young people. She founded the TEENS Tourism and Hospitality Club, an initiative designed to expose young people to career opportunities in tourism and hospitality.
Through the club, young people receive mentorship, coaching, educational trips and guidance on pursuing higher education in the sector.
Speaking about the challenges confronting women in hospitality, Akyeampong said the demands of the profession can become particularly difficult when combined with family responsibilities.
She, however, credited the support of her family for helping her navigate the challenges and continue developing her career.
Akyeampong has encouraged young people interested in hospitality and tourism to seek mentors, pursue voluntary work and internships, surround themselves with positive people and avoid underestimating their abilities.
Her career reflects an effort to combine professional leadership with mentorship and advocacy for greater female participation in Ghana’s hospitality industry.
