Rain, Power Outage & hope as Volta Star Textiles is launched

Juapong, May 12, GNA-Drama, suspense and the laughable triggered by nearly three hours of unceasing rain took the better part of the commissioning of the now Volta Star Textiles Limited, formerly Juapong Textiles Limited after about two years in limbo.
The festive atmosphere on the premises of the newly named factory was obvious on entering the Juapong township as school children lined up the main Ho-Accra highway up to the gates of the factory premises as people went to and from the factory grounds where dancing beckoned them. Suddenly at bout 1415 hours the clear skies were overcast with dark rain clouds and a sudden spell of strong winds, which threatened to lift the canopies into the air as people struggled to hold them in place. The rain then poured down sending the crowd to look for cover, some in their vehicles and any available shelter while the school chidden melted away for the streets except for the security personnel, who kept to their posts.
As the rain continued to pour down with the time ticking away hope and celebration tended to give way to despondency and disappointment as everything pointed to an abortive day.
But at about 1515 hours when the police dispatch riders sounded their shrill sirens to herald the arrival of President John Agyekum Kufuor and his entourage, suddenly from their places of shelter the crowed including school children filled the streets and the factory ground to give him an enthusiastic welcome despite the persistency of the rain.
There was no time for the usual protocol as the President drove to the factory premises.
Without wasting time he went to unveil the plaque to commission the new factory.
But as he was inspecting the machines in the main factory three successive rounds of power outages interrupted him. Taking aback by the overwhelming presence of security around President Kufuor, Togbega Gabusu, President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs asked the President if he thought the chiefs could not protect him.
President Kufuor who was visibly happy replied that he believed that Togbega Gabusu's walking stick could protect him.
Some dignitaries, including District Chief Executives (DCEs) and Members of Parliaments (MPs) visibly irritated by the overzealousness of some of the security personnel.
In stark contrast, some of them notably the soldiers were composed and confident in their approach to the admiration of many people. 12 May 07