Hoteliers predict mass layoff over coronavirus

 
The Greater Accra Chairman of the Hotels Association, Benjamin Afunya, has predicted mass layoff in hotel business after hotels in the country recorded low turnouts affecting the sales.
The turnout of event comes after Ghana confirmed a total of  132 cases including two (3) deaths.
The sudden spike in case incidence is as a result of the mandatory quarantine and compulsory testing for all travelers entering Ghana, as directed by the president.
30 out of the 68 cases have been reported in the general population with the remaining 38 cases among persons currently under mandatory quarantine as directed by the President.
The President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, announced that all public gatherings, including conferences, workshops, funerals, festivals, political rallies, sporting events and religious activities, such as services in churches and mosques have been suspended for the next four (4) weeks as part of measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
1,030 persons who flew into the country after the directive of the President are currently under mandatory quarantine. Samples from 863 of them have been tested and 78 confirmed positive.
Speaking on Atinka FM’s AM Drive, Greater Accra Chairman of the Hotels Association, Benjamin Afunya, says that the sector is currently going through hard times and that he does not fault owners of hotels laying off workers at this time.
Asked whether lay-off is the best alternative during this time, Benjamin Afunya noted that the owners of these hotels have no option since no one is lodging in hotels for revenues to be made.
“We are indeed not in ordinary times and we hope that vaccines will be produced quickly to ease the burden on hoteliers. The situation is dire. Monies to pay salaries for April will be very difficult we are keeping our fingers crossed,” he said.
He, however, added that he is optimistic the people will be called back when the situation gets back to normalcy.
 
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Vivian Adu Boatemaa