Welcome, dear reader!

What we have here is a thriller like none has been seen on the State. BZ Fanti’s pen has done a real madness here! Hold on to your seats, coz this will be one heck of a ride! Let’s go!

The bright afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the sleek, cobblestoned car park of Utopia Hotel. With tall palm trees swaying in the background and polished cars lined up neatly, this was a marvel to behold in Ghana’s twin city, Sekondi.

Jacob and Thelma Wilson, impeccably dressed in formal attire befitting their status as owners of Sekondi’s most prestigious five-star hotel, stood arm-in-arm, the biggest of smiles on their faces as they gazed at the driveway that led to the grand entrance.

As a small band of local drummers stood to one side, their drums taut and ready to erupt into a rhythmic welcome for the visitors, and hotel staff bustled about in pristine uniforms, ensuring every flower arrangement and hors d’oeuvre was perfectly placed, the excitement and anticipation soaked up the atmosphere.

It was a great day for everyone connected to this prestigious hotel. They were preparing for the arrival of an international delegation, sent by the president himself. The moment he called Jacob to inform him of same was one surreal moment that would never be forgotten, especially with the president’s glowing reviews about their establishment.

Jacob, adjusting his cufflinks with a grin, commented, “I won’t lie, honey, I’m still struggling to believe it. That the President himself is sending an official delegation to Utopia. Utopia! Our hotel!”

Thelma beamed as she looked up at her husband. “It’s surreal, Jacob. It really is. Of all the hotels in Ghana, they chose us! His Excellency President Kodwo Ansa-Obiaka, the first gentleman of the land himself, trusting us with this honor. This isn’t just a visit, Jay; it’s a statement.”

“I’m telling you! A statement that we’ve made it. Years of hard work, late nights, and meticulous planning—and now the Presidency recognizes us. Remember when we started, Thelma? Everyone thought we were crazy for choosing to build a five-star hotel here in Sekondi.”

“Oh, say it again oooo! What didn’t they tell us? ‘Why won’t you build it in Accra?’ ‘Sekondi is too far, people won’t want to drive all the way here’… all kinds of funny statements. But look at us now. Five stars, Sekondi’s finest, hosting a presidential delegation. This isn’t just an endorsement, it’s a testament to our hard work, our sacrifices.”

“Oh yes, oh yes. This is it. The world will see what we’ve built. It’s more than a hotel—it’s our legacy.”

As Thelma nodded and squeezed his hand gently, a sleek motorcade appeared at the end of the driveway, the Ghanaian flag fluttering on the lead car. The drummers, upon seeing the cars, began to play, their beats rising in anticipation.

Jacob squeezed Thelma’s hand tighter. “They’re here,” he said, his voice filled with awe.

Thelma adjusted her dress, a beaming smile on her face. “This is it, Jacob. Let’s give them a welcome they’ll never forget.”

The convoy of vehicles came to a smooth stop in front of the Utopia Hotel’s grand entrance. A team of sharply dressed chauffeurs swiftly moved to open the car doors, revealing an air of elegance and authority as the dignitaries stepped out one by one.

At the forefront was a tall, distinguished gentleman in a tailored navy-blue suit, carrying an air of quiet confidence.

Jacob and Thelma Wilson straightened up, their warm smiles unwavering as the gentleman approached them.

“Mr. and Mrs. Wilson,” he began, extending a firm handshake, “I am Fidelis Peprah, Chief State Attorney at the Attorney General’s Department. I’ve been personally appointed by His Excellency, President Kodwo Ansa-Obiaka to lead this esteemed delegation during their stay at your wonderful establishment.”

“Welcome, Mr. Peprah,” Thelma replied warmly. “It’s an absolute honor to host you and the delegation. We’re thrilled to have you all here.”

Jacob nodded in agreement. “And please, do let us know if there’s anything at all you need during your stay. We’ve prepared a week of Ghanaian hospitality like no other.”

“Thank you,” Fidelis replied, his voice steady and friendly. “The president speaks highly of the Utopia Hotel, and I can already see why. Now, if I may introduce you to the delegation.”

He turned slightly, gesturing towards the dignitaries standing behind him.”First of all, we have Kaiyne Kay, an Economic Advisor from Antigua and Barbuda.”

Kaiyne, a plump young woman with sharp and piercing eyes, stepped forward. Dressed in a stunning white suit, she extended her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both. I’ve heard so many glowing reviews about your hotel.”

“The pleasure is all ours, Miss Kay,” Jacob replied warmly while shaking her hand.

Fidelis continued, “Next is Francisca Martinez, a renowned Human Rights Advocate from Mexico.”

Francisca, a petite woman with dark, curly hair, smiled warmly. Her deep brown eyes radiated kindness as she greeted the Wilsons. “Your hotel is absolutely stunning. Thank you for hosting us.”

“We’re so honored to have you, Ms. Martinez,” Thelma responded, her smile widening.

Fidelis moved on. “This is Joevin Joseph, a Diplomat from Trinidad and Tobago.”

Joevin, a robust man with a friendly demeanor, stepped forward with a wide grin. His patterned tie hinted at the vibrant culture of his homeland. “Greetings, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson. I’m looking forward to experiencing the best of Ghana through your hospitality.”

“Oh, you’re in the right place,” Jacob replied, chuckling. “Trust me on that one.”

“And here is Jed Murphy, an Environmental Scientist from the United States.”

Jed, a tall man with sandy blonde hair and an outdoorsy charm, shook hands with the couple. “The grounds of your hotel are breathtaking. I can’t wait to explore more.”

“Thank you, Mr. Murphy,” Thelma said. “We’ve worked hard to make this a haven for all our guests.”

“Max Abu,” Fidelis continued, “is a journalist from the United Kingdom.”

Max, a sharp-looking man in a dark suit with a notepad peeking out of his breast pocket, greeted them with a nod. “I’ll be writing about this experience for sure once we’re done. We may have just arrived, but it’s clear this place deserves recognition.”

“Oh, that would be magnificent. We look forward to reading about it,” Jacob said with a smile.

“Theo De France is an International Trade Negotiator from France.”

Theo, a suave man with neatly combed hair and a confident smile, kissed Thelma’s hand lightly before shaking Jacob’s. “Merci beaucoup for hosting us. It’s a delight to be here.”

“And finally,” Fidelis completed, turning to the last member of the group, “we have Martin Farber, Austria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.”

Martin, a dignified older man with silver hair and a calm presence, stepped forward. “It’s a pleasure to be in Sekondi and at your hotel. I’ve heard this place reflects the heart of Ghanaian hospitality, and I’m eager to experience it.”

“We’ll make sure you do,” Thelma replied sincerely.

As the introductions concluded, Fidelis turned back to the Wilsons. “The president has entrusted us into your care, and from what I’ve seen so far, I have no doubt this will be a memorable stay.”

Jacob and Thelma exchanged a proud glance before Jacob responded, “We’ll make sure it’s a week to remember. Welcome to Utopia Hotel.”

“Now, would you like to go to your rooms and get a bit of rest?” Thelma asked. “We have a brief trip prepared for you around 3 o’clock.”

The delegation responded positively.

As the hotel staff moved swiftly to assist the dignitaries with their luggage and led them through the grand entrance into the hotel’s luxurious lobby., the Wilsons continued to glow with excitement.

This was going to be one heck of a week. One they would never forget for as long as they lived.

Well, this looks interesting. It would definitely be an honour to have a delegation like that at your hotel. Let’s see what happens…