Takoradi, April 5, GNA - Hotels in Sekondi-Takoradi and its environs have recorded increases in patronage due to the influx of Ivorian refugees into the region.

This was made known, when the Ghana News Agency (GNA) visited a number of hotels and guest houses in the Metropolis.

At the AB-Gaba Guest House five Ivorian number-plated vehicles were parked on the premises and a hotel attendant confirmed that clients at the facility were mainly Ivorian.

The situation at Asempa Hotel, Nhyira Hotel and Ivorian Guest House was not different with the presence of vehicles with Ivorian number plates.

Everyday, Ivorian vehicles are seen especially in the market circle, the Paa Grant and Nkrumah intersections in Takoradi.

Some market women interviewed by the GNA also confirmed an increase in the sale of food items, second hand clothing and toiletries.

The conflict in Cote d'Ivoire has again increased economic activities at the Takoradi harbour as most fishing vessels offload at the harbour instead of the Abidjan Port.

Mame Ekua Esuom, a fish monger, told the GNA that, fishes like tuna, cassava fish and mackerel amongst others could now be obtained from the harbour.