Vehicular and human activities have heighten in the Garden City as holiday makers criss-cross the Kumasi city centre in preparations for the Christmas and New Year festivities.

Market surveillance in the central business district has revealed an upsurge in human traffic characteristic of the season. But most traders are not enthused at the rate of patronage of goods, as they complain of excessive window-shopping, a situation attributed to high cost of products on the market.

The busy atmosphere is however to the benefit of dealers in children clothing and household consumables, especially foodstuff.

As the traders anticipate improvements in sales volumes, a number of social and religious events have been lined up for residents to enjoy the season.

Luv Fm and Nhyira Fm, two radio stations on the stables of the Multimedia Group, have planned a number of programmes to add value to lives and excite listeners.

Ashanti region’s finest radio station and the ‘Official Christmas Station’, Luv 99.5 Fm started the season with its regular road safety campaign to create awareness to reduce accidents this festive season.

The public service campaign forms part of the station’s social responsibility to educate motorists, pedestrians and the general public on the effects of road accidents as people travel to celebrate with friends and family.

The station has also collaborated with the Komfo Anokye Blood Bank in a blood donation drive to save lives and to ensure enough stock at the blood bank for people who will be in need of blood transfusion during the period and beyond.

Christmas shoppers in Kumasi have an opportunity for a one-stop shop for goods and services at the 2nd edition of Luv Fm’s Grand Sales event.

The event holds between 23-26 December, with the aim to promoting domestic trade and commerce, whilst saving residents the hustle of shopping in traffic.

Manufacturers, distributors and retail businesses have mounted stands at the Golden Tulip Round Pavilion to sell to thousands of customers, who will access goods and services at reduced and discounted prices.

Event Coordinator, Nana Banyin Anumel says the programme has been designed for families to shop with fun.

On Boxing Day, leading Akan radio station, Nhyira Fm will partner the Centre for National Culture and the musician fraternity to revive the ‘Gyewani’ event in the Garden City.

Jim Aglah, Business Development Manager, Multimedia Kumasi says the event will bring together top highlife artiste, drama troops and comedians to thrill audience at the Kumasi cultural centre.

Families are already excited to partake in the fun-filled event to reminisce the good old days of entertainment unlimited.

Nhyira Fm will also be treating inmates of underprivileged to a party at the annual ‘Nhyira Abodoo’ event.

The New Year will be ushered in with the Family Party in the Park at the Golden Tulip Gardens on January 1, 2013.

The event has been instituted as the biggest moment for families to have a good day out and share in the joy of the season.

Story by Kofi Adu Domfeh