Many in Kumasi mark the New Year with street carnivals

Street carnivals and explosion of firecrackers reverberated across the Kumasi Metropolis as revelers welcomed the New Year.

Popular pubs, including the Jackson City – Dichemso, Richie’s Corner, Gaboo and Soldierman’s spot, all at Krofroum; Dunga la Port, Oforikrom; Westend Drinking Spot, Ayeduase; Plus 2, Nhyiaeso; Sweet and British Pub at Asafo; Florash Gardens, Adum; and Vanyo Club, Stadium; were fully packed.

People of different age groups excitedly helped themselves to bottles of alcoholic beverages, roasted guinea fowl, chicken, tilapia and pork, which were spiced with hot pepper and onion, against the background of hit highlife and hip-life tunes.

As they drank, made merry and danced their hearts out, many of them found time to reflect on the past year and to make New Year resolutions.

Those, who spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), were unanimous in their assessment of year 2014 as a difficult year.

They said their expectation was that those entrusted with the management of the economy would do a much better job to make things a bit comfortable for everybody.

Kofi Owusu, self-employed, said more should be done to tackle the energy crisis, create employment and deal with the rising poverty and cost of living.

He also complained about what he termed ‘over-taxation’ and stated that this was suffocating the people.

Akwasi Afrane, a graduate of the University of Ghana, said it had really been tough, going without a job.

He, however, said he was undaunted and remained hopeful for change to live his dream.

Kwame Afreh, a photographer, said it was time the people demanded accountability from their leaders.

This should not be limited only to the political leaders, he said, but be extended to the chiefs. “They must also be made to account to their communities for the huge sums of money from the sale of lands.”

Abigail Ankomaha, hairdresser, called for bold steps to tackle corruption to restore hope in the economy.