Effect of Covid-19 on the hospitality industry in Ghana: Evidence from hotels in Northern Ghana

Abstract

This study investigates the effects and challenges of COVID-19 on selected hotels in Northern Ghana. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 190 employees across 10 star-rated hotels in Tamale through structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and Chi-square tests were employed for data analysis. The results show that low room occupancy was the most severe effect of the pandemic, followed by pay reductions and job insecurity, reflecting significant revenue losses and employee vulnerability. The ANOVA results indicate that COVID-19-related factors jointly had a significant influence on hotel operations, while the Chi-square analysis reveals that the impacts were unevenly distributed, with demand and employment effects being more pronounced than increased expenditure or workload. Key challenges identified include mandatory mask-wearing, declining cash flow, low employee wages, staff movement restrictions, and health-related uncertainties in serving guests. The study concludes that COVID-19 substantially disrupted hotel operations in Northern Ghana and underscores the need for improved crisis management strategies, government support, and adaptive operational practices to enhance sector resilience.