Terror threats not affecting Mall business - Operators

Operators of Malls in Ghana say they are yet to feel the pinch of the numerous terror threats on Ghana, although players in the hospitality industry have expressed worry.

According to them, they are yet to experience major reduction in terms of patronage although the security agencies have beefed up security at the various malls.

“It has not impacted our lifestyle, Ghanaians are patronizing the mall and I am foreseeing them do that,” the Center Manager at the Junction Mall, Ebenezer Asare Amanqua, told Starr Business.
The mall organized a security alert programme to equip its patrons and neighbours on the dos and don’ts should any disaster occur.

“One thing we were told not to do is to try to combat any terrorist or any criminal for that matter. You must comply with whatever the person says or directs you to do,” Amanqua said.

He added: “What we have realized is that, as you try to be combative or to also attack or be defensive then they get very agitated and get to do a lot of things. So we have been advised to keep calm under such circumstance.

“We have been told that the safest thing to do when there is such a thing [criminal attack] is to lay on the flow and keep calm. Don’t shout [and] don’t make noise. If there is a solid wall be behind it and keep calm.”

Ghana has since been placed on a terror watch following extremist activities in the sub-region. Security has been beefed up at the borders and public places to forestall any terrorist attack.