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COVID-19: Some traders at Accra Arts Centre close shops over low sales
Once a vibrant tourist haven of Ghana filled with Ghanaians from the diaspora and other foreign nationals, has virtually become dormant, following the outbreak of coronavirus across the globe.
The Accra Arts Centre which is one of the biggest craft markets in the country, had been in existence for about three decades. Tourists could purchase items ranging from woven kente clothes, paintings, wooden sculptures, earrings, textiles and other fashion accessories.
Some traders revealed that prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, they used to make between GH₵500 and GH₵1,000 of sales in a day, depending on your products.
The centre housing over 300 shops, can now boast of a paltry 40 opened shops, after some owners decided to close theirs over low sales and patronage, Vice President of Kente and Adinkra Manufactures Association, Kwame Amakye told The Spectator.
Narrating their challenges to the paper, Kwame Amakye who also plied his trade at the centre for the past 28 years, said following the outbreak of COVID-19 and the closure of borders worldwide, their sector has become one of the hardest hit, making it difficult for traders.
He said majority of their clients were mostly Ghanaians from the diaspora and other foreign tourists, which had been whittled down by the pandemic.
According to him due to the development, most sales have dwindled sharply, making it unprofitable because people incurred transportation cost to the centre, and ended up not making any sales to make ends meet.
“As a result, many shop owners, have decided to stay home, until the situation is improved,” he said.
He added that some of them made it an effort to come, just to ensure that the market did not collapse, in view of the challenges.
Mr Kwame Amakye appealed to government to as a matter of urgency to stimulate the sector, because COVID-19 had dealt a big blow to them. He said every process for the stimulus package must be fast-tracked to save lives and families.
“Sometimes, you receive a call from a colleague requesting for GH₵50, for his family to feed on for that very day, and I ask myself, what happens to the following days?” he quizzed.
A trader, Kwabena Kakra also told the paper that the government’s stimulus package is their only hope for activities to bounce back in the midst of the difficulties
“It is our prayer that a vaccine is found within this shortest possible time to bring situation under control,” he said.
Following the outbreak of COVID-19, movement of people across borders had come to a standstill as countries closed their entry points to contain the virus.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
