Starting a business with your siblings can be a hit or miss venture. For Eugene Ahadome and his two brothers, he is a big hit. Ahadome, together with his brother and sister, created Lake Cluba day resort in their homeland Ghana. “We all definitely wanted to build something in our country, give back and succeed, adding significantly to its development,” Ahadome tells Travel Noire.
The idea came about during the pandemic when they realized they had a common interest in being close to water. Everyone spent a lot of time doing water sports such as rafting, rowing and wakeboarding.
“We were honestly incredibly embarrassed about how much time we spent in these overseas waters compared to Ghana whenever we visited,” explains Ahadome. “A lot of it had to do with security issues and that we didn’t have much to do on or around Ghanaian waters.”
With Ahadome’s experience in marketing and partnerships, his brother’s general management credentials and his sister’s business know-how, they joined forces to open a stunning luxury day resort in Akosombo. Akosombo is home to the world’s largest man-made lake by surface area. It is located about two hours away from the capital of Ghana Extremesthe Lake Club redefines water sports and luxury.
“We brought a very specific vision and did something that had never been done before in the country – a day resort with a focus on water sports,” Ahadome said. To ensure that Lake Club excels in customer service, Ahadome quit his corporate job at Facebook. He now manages the luxury resort full-time.
Travel Noire spoke with Ahadome about opening a resort, what to expect when you visit, and must-try food.
Travel Noire: Why did you choose Akosombo as the destination for the Lake Club?
Eugene Ahadome: For us, [Akosombo’s] the beauty rivals some of the world’s most famous travel resort locations. It is also quite centrally located, being close to major metropolitan hubs in Ghana such as Accra and Ho.
There are several transportation options to get to the Lake Club. Rentals are available from the airport, most of which include a driver. Uber and more ride sharing applications are widely available in Ghana. For large groups, the Lake Club can also help arrange a bus from Accra.
TN: What is the hardest part of opening a resort with your family?
EA: I think for us it was how we approach this really as a real business. Family allows you to know in advance who has what skills and the opportunity to fit each person into the right role. [But,] brings the challenge of allowing each person to truly own their role and make the necessary decisions.
TN: Is it rare to have resorts owned and operated by Ghanaians?
EA: It depends on where in Ghana. In Accra, this is where most of the best resorts are owned and operated by foreigners. Entrepreneurs in Ghana have looked outside of Accra, taking advantage of local knowledge to open some amazing resorts and turn places like Kwahu, Prampram and Akosombo into resorts.
Akosombo is home to world class resorts owned by Ghana such as Bridgeview Resort, The Royal Senchi, Afrikiko Riverfront Resort and Peninsula Resort and Golf Club.
TN: What can travelers expect when they book a Lake Club vacation?
EA: A visit to the Lake Club begins before arrival. Send us a message about your diet [needs] and other preferences, and we will do our best to accommodate you. Let us know if you are coming with children and we can arrange free swimming lessons and a nanny.
Once at the Lake Club, expect to oscillate between periods of relaxation and adventure. Get your heart pumping on our custom F1 jet skis, then relax in our shaded cabanas surrounded by palm trees with a signature piña colada in a coconut cup.
In the evening, watch the sunset over the surrounding mountains and have fun with our in-house DJ, either in the club or by the lake with a roaring fire. This is a typical day at the Lake Club.
If you happen to visit during one of our special events, such as the upcoming Heroes vs Villains, then you might find yourself choosing between competing teams, a kayak battle against your favorite celebrity, or racing to capture the opponent’s flag.
TN: What are some of the must try dishes at the Lake Club for travelers to get a real taste Ghanaian cuisine?
EA: Our seafood is straight from the surrounding lake, so Banku (corn/cassava flour) and Tilapia are one of our most popular dishes.
We also give a local twist to some national and international dishes such as Jollof and fried rice. Our signature Lake Club burger is made with local spices. It has no taste like you will find in Accra or anywhere in the world.
TN: What is the best time of year to visit the Lake Club?
EA: All seasons are the best times! We understand that Ghana in December is the ideal place, so it will always be a good time to visit. However, we deliberately opened outside of December to show the depth that Ghana has to offer. Ghanaians and travelers responded well. Every weekend is an atmosphere at the Lake Club.
This article has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.