The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tyco City and Businessman, Nana Kwame Aning based in Sunyani in the Bono Region whose focus is in the hospitality industry says most businesses have been badly hit by COVID-19 restrictions.
In an exclusive interview with Rebecca Ekpe in Sunyani, Nana Kwame said, ”I have been badly hit, infact, this is time for survival and not for business”.
He indicated that his hospitality business was running at a 5% occupancy in April and explained that his facility is conference-based and not just a walk-in facility.
Nana Kwame is however optimistic that President Akufo-Addo would relax the restrictions to open up for more businesses to thrive.
”Currently, we are running less than 50% normalcy and I think the restrictions should be eased close to 80%, so that hotel facilities with ample conference spaces should be allowed to convene programmes with increased numbers” said Nana Kwame.
He said these facilities have a responsibility to ensure they adhere to the social distancing and safety protocols.
”Banks have been allowed to open and operate even with the COVID, therefore I do not see why the hospitality industry cannot be allowed to do the same, there should be that flexibility for businesses to open up” he stated.
The Tyco City businessman reiterated that he is ready for post-COVID Business and has not laid off one single staff during the pandemic.
”We had a meeting and decided on what to do, the consensus was that no staff should be laid off, instead, we made payment arrangements and we also use the waiting period for rehearsals, should the COVID travel with us for a long time, what can we do, how can we adjust? But I am optimistic. We hope to live beyond the COVID” Nana Kwame concluded.
STORY BY: REBECCA EKPE.
