By Rachel Kakraba and Noah Owusu
Drivers at the Neoplan lorry station around the Kwame Nkrumah interchange, who ply the Accra-Kwahu route, are cashing in as revelers throng the station to catch buses to Kwahu for the Easter festivities. The drivers who said there are enough buses to convey passengers to their destinations noted that patronage this year has seen a slight surge. This they attributed to the easing of the Covid-19 restrictions leading to the scaling up of recreational activities for the Easter celebrations.
Rachel Kakraba and Noah Owusu report that the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, otherwise known as Easter, in Ghana has over the years been synonymous with Kwahu and consequently witnessing an influx of both locals and international tourists to the towns in the Kwahu enclave to celebrate one of the revered Christian festivals annually. Having been affected by restrictions posed by Covid-19, this year’s celebrations will be the first in two years to be observed in full. This follows the easing of Covid restrictions by President Akufo Addo in his last covid 19 updates.
At the time of our visit to the Neoplan station, some passengers had massed up for buses to be conveyed to their destinations. Speaking to the News Team they said although the upward adjustment in transport fares had affected their budget, Easter is a time to be with the family a reason they would go all out to travel. Some expressed difficulty in getting buses to their destination
‘I have been here since yesterday but have not been able to get a bus to my destination. The high demand has seen drivers double the transport fares which forced me to sleep overnight’, she lamented.
‘I’m going to celebrate Easter in Kwahu as a result of Covid-19 close to two years. I haven’t been there to celebrate I am hopeful this year’s celebration would be a joyous one for my family and I’
Speaking to some drivers they expressed satisfaction with the turn of events this Easter, adding that the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions has been a blessing to their business.
‘This week we are looking forward to moving 24/7 to Kwahu. The little advice I will give to my fellow drivers is that they should exercise patience on the road and drive carefully, for a good driver is the one who has made a returned trip peacefully”.
Business has been so good as demand is high this is a result of Covid for two years we have not celebrated Easter, but for this year people are going. I have heard of a report of heavy vehicular traffic around Osino because of Easter. I also understand Police Personnel have been detailed, so drivers cannot drive carelessly’
Easter travels are no new phenomenon and the hope is for drivers to drive cautiously for an accident-free Easter. Covid 19 restrictions may have been eased however it behooves all to observe Covid protocols, during the Easter celebrations to prevent a possible surge of infections.
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