The CEO of Dalex Finance Mr Ken Thompson, has noted that some hotel premises have been reduced to card-playing grounds following lack of job in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

He explained that these hotels have been empty since the virus hit Ghana and further noted that the stimulus package provided by the government is a good start in cushioning these businesses.

He said on Sunrise show hosted by Alfred Ocansey on Wednesday, June 10 that: “Last week I was in Hohoe and I went to a bar, the man has built a restaurant and hotel and he said the hotel has been empty for the last few months and he says now they have reduced it to playing cards, they were playing cards in front of the hotel.

“That is replicated across the country meanwhile that person probably has a loan to pay, he has got to pay utilities, he has staff so what does he do?

“So hopefully, the stimulus package will help him, if he gets it to remain afloat until better times come then he can start to build back, then the business remains on its feet, he still is able to employ people and he can still pay taxes.

“No private entrepreneur, somebody who has put their money in the business. If they really earned their money will want to throw it away. What he is going to do is to keep the business afloat, he will pay bills and hope that in the few months’ time things will get better but if we leave him without support the business will collapse.”

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo launched a GH¢1 billion Coronavirus Alleviation Programme (CAP) Business Support Scheme to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) impacted negatively by the coronavirus pandemic.

Out of the amount, GH¢600 million is coming from government coffers while commercial banks in the country also put together GH¢ 400 million.