With a few days to Christmas, the excitement and joy that characterise the festive season is gradually picking up in the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis.
Walking around in town, one could feel the dusty and foggy weather conditions signifying that the Christmas euphoria was setting in.
The Ghana News Agency (GNA) observed during a tour of the Central Business District of Takoradi that offices, shops, restaurants, supermarkets and some homes have been decorated with Christmas trees, flowers, lights and other colourful decorative in preparation towards this year’s festivities.
Churches, organisations and businesses have started organising their Festivals of Nine Lessons and Carols to usher in the Christmas celebrations.
The atmosphere has been characterised by heavy human and vehicular traffic within some parts of the metropolis, with residents trooping some shops to purchase items for the celebration.
Although the usual buying and selling is slow, traders are hoping for last-minute sales.
Madam Mercy Akrofi, who sells children’s wears, told the GNA that so far sales had been slow, however, expressed the hope that things would change as the celebration progressed.
Mr. Jonathan Sekyere, a shoes seller, also expressed similar sentiments, saying, “For now things have been dull because sales are not encouraging at all, but I hope for the best.”
On the entertainment side, a host of activities have been lined up to herald the Christmas season in Takoradi.
Among such events is the “Made in Taadi” concert which would be hosted by popular Ghanaian and Taani music icon, Kofi Kinaata, on December 21, at the Takoradi Sports Club Park.
Others include the Westside Carnival, widely known as the “Ankos”, which would feature arts, culture, music and dance, and would begin on December 25 through to January 01, 2025.
Night clubs and pubs would also bring the heat with various entertainment events to make this year’s Christmas celebrations a memorable experience.
The Regional Minister, Mr. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah on Friday officially opened the Christmas activities at a symbolic ribbon cutting ceremony at SEKCO junction.
The Regional Minister urged holiday makers to make the Western Region their preferred Christmas destination.
GNA