Service providers and vendors in the event organizing industry have expressed frustration at the extent to which the ban on weddings, parties, and large gatherings has had on their businesses since the announcement over the weekend.
On Sunday January 31, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo announced the government’s decision to ban weddings, funerals, concerts, theatrical performances, and parties, as a measure to help contain the spread of the virus due to the rising numbers of cases.
This, announcement, however has come as bad news for players in the events planning industry, who say the directive is a bit harsh on their businesses
In an interview with the B&FT, CEO of an event planning company, Trendy Events Ghana, Samiratu Mamoudu indicated that the directive has cost her company some financial losses, as prior to Sunday, she had procured and paid for some logistics she would need for her work in the coming weeks.
She said due to this, everything has now been put on hold, as she and her team remain confused at the way forward.
“I am feeling the impact so much. Because I was deep in preparation for upcoming events. I have made financial commitments to vendors that include graphic designers, florists, caterers, MCs, photographers, venues, among others. As it stands, the chance of getting those funds back in full appear slim. Everything is on hold now and that will cost me financially,” she lamented.
Ms. Mamoudu, who is currently in a state of confusion added: “Honestly I don’t have any idea now. We are giving ourselves two weeks to study the situation on ground so we can make decisions on the steps to take,” she added.
Saida Iddrisu, a makeup artist and CEO of Nasaj Facebeat, who has already booked clients for their events through the months of February and March, also shared her frustration with B&FT.
“The ban on social gatherings has really affected the beauty industry where I find myself. This work is about pre-booking, and I have seven clients who booked and made half payment from February to March.
According to her, some of her clients are changing their plans which can be inconveniencing. For instance, a client, who is a bride-to-be has decided to go ahead to get married, but with only a few family members at home, which initially was going to happen at two different venues where her services will be needed. As it stands now with changed plans, it means the price for her service will be cut.
“So with such a client, I will not be going to Kumasi again so she will only pay 50 percent of the top up amount she is supposed to add to the booking fee she has already paid.”
For temporary body artist and traditional beautician, Hajia Faiza, also, some of her clients have started cancelling their sessions. “My business largely depends on weddings and parties because I mostly work on brides. Now, with the ban, most brides wont feel the need to go through all the beauty process, hence, might not call off my service. I had a number of bookings for March, but at this point, some of them have started canceling their bookings,” she noted.
