A section of some small business owners is appealing to the public to dismiss any fears about the COVID-19 vaccine, and get their jabs, so that the economy can soon return to normalcy.
They have noted that, reluctance to take the COVID-19 vaccine, may affect business confidence as it will retard any progress to fight the deadly pandemic.
Quite recently, the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) revealed it has been monitoring business activities; and optimistically, business confidence is rising, especially after the nation began rolling out the 600,000 doses of coronavirus vaccine that arrived in early March.
Despite the successful roll-out of the first batch of shots, there are still sceptics who harbour doubts and different conspiracy theories about the vaccine.
In a recent media interview, the owner of Yahaya Poultry Farm, Yahaya Abdulai, said skepticism about the vaccine can have adverse effects on business climate in the country.
“I think vaccines are supposed to be a measure to curb pandemics like the one we are currently experiencing,” Mr.Abdulai said, “I have had some discussions with people who have expressed various degrees of skepticism. If they are willing to take it, and they consciously take it, it will bring back the robust business climate. But if they do not, the fear of contracting the disease will still be in there and may defeat the purpose of rolling out the vaccine,” he said.
Mr. Gideon Dendzo who runs Giddins Shoes – a local shoe-making company, also reiterated similar sentiments. He noted a bounce back of business confidence is highly dependent on the efficiency of the vaccination roll out.
“Vaccinations can have massive impact on restoring confidence and increasing economic activities – as people will gain confidence in being around peers and do walk-in purchases,” he said.
Yvette Tetteh of Pure and Just Company, a food supply chain company, also co-signed the notion that vaccination will help improve the country’s business climate.
“As someone in the catering business, the vaccination process will not only increase commerce but will have people feeling confident about flying again,” she stressed.
The first phase of COVID-19 vaccination is complete and those vaccinated are awaiting to take their second jabs in the second phase of the exercise.
