Holidaymakers choose churches, malls over beaches

Many families and friends yesterday chose to celebrate their holiday at the malls and the church instead of the usual picnics at the beach that have charecterised Easter Monday holidays.

By mid-morning yesterday, the usually expansive car parks at the West Hills Mall and China Mall in Weija, Accra, had been filled to capacity, as families opted for a different kind of holiday outing, one defined less by crashing waves and more by comfort, safety and convenience.

For decades, Easter Monday in Accra has been synonymous with beach trips along the Labadi–Tema stretch, where families gathered for picnics, music and sea bathing.

This year, however, a noticeable shift is underway, with many choosing to remain inland, frequenting malls and church compounds instead.

A change in tradition

The change was evident not only in the bustling shopping centres but also in the relatively subdued atmosphere at some of Accra’s popular beaches.

Some holidaymakers at the West Hills Mall in Accra

At Koku beach at TubaTuba , lifeguards and food vendors described the turnout as calmer than usual, a sharp contrast to the dense crowds typically seen during the Easter festivities.

Back in the city, the story was different. Retail outlets at both West Hills Mall and China Mall recorded brisk business, as families purchased snacks, toys and drinks for spontaneous gatherings.

Food vendors struggled to keep up with the high demand, while children made the most of play areas and open spaces within the malls.

Private security personnel were kept busy directing vehicles and maintaining order, while the police presence along major access routes ensured a relatively smooth traffic flow, despite occasional congestion in the afternoon.

Churches now centres of celebration

Beyond the malls, several churches across the capital transformed their compounds into vibrant picnic grounds after Easter services. Families spread mats under trees, shared meals and watched children play freely in secure, familiar environments.

At one such gathering, Rev. Daniel Koomson of the  Mercy from God Pentecostal church at Kasoa Tuba explained the motivation behind the shift.

“We wanted families to experience joy without anxiety. Here, parents can relax, children can play, and everyone feels protected.

It’s a different atmosphere, but one that many are beginning to appreciate,” he explained .

He added that the church found it needful to start organising picnics after two of its youth drowned at the beach two years ago on Easter Monday.

Church  vendors also reported increased patronage, with meals such as waakye, jollof rice and fried rice selling out shortly after services.

Safe driving choices

Speaking with the Daily Graphic, Mabel Asare, a holiday maker, mentioned that the malls were much safer than the beach after a near-accident experience at the beach few years ago.

“We used to wake up early just to beat the traffic to the beach, but after our last experience -- the huge crowd, the pickpockets, and a near incident with the sea — we decided to try something different. Here, everything feels organised and safe,” she stated.

Others also cited safety concerns, unpredictable weather and heavy traffic as key reasons for abandoning the traditional beach outing.

Reports of petty theft, overcrowding and occasional sea-related incidents in recent years appear to have influenced public behaviour.

Malls, on the other hand, offer a controlled environment in terms of security, clean facilities, ample parking and shelter from sudden rains, which are common during Accra’s April weather.

For some, the appeal is simply peace of mind.

“You don’t have to worry about losing your child in a crowd or watching the tides every minute,” said Kwame Mensah, who spent the day with his extended family at the China Mall.

“Everything you need is right here, all you need to do is shop and find a good spot under the trees or the walkway inside the mall to sit and relax,” he added

Bumper harvest for traders

The shift has proven to be profitable for mall-based traders along the street, many of whom described the day as one of their busiest in recent times.

“Easter Monday used to mean slow business because everyone went to the beach,” said Hawa Salisu, a juice vendor at West Hills Mall Corridors.

“Now, it feels like a mini-festival here. By mid-afternoon, we had already restocked twice,” she said.

Ride-hailing drivers and taxi operators also reported steady demand, as families moved between churches, malls and home throughout the day.