Many people who flouted police directives banning the detonation of firecrackers and other explosives welcomed the dawn of the New Year.

The skies were lit with many beautiful colours as the crackers shot up and split into millions of sparks.

Police officers deployed around the city looked on helplessly as enterprising individuals took advantage of the dawn of the New Year to do brick business selling the explosives, especially on the stretch of the Osu Oxford Street.

At the stroke of midnight people cheered, clapped, sung and honked their cars horns as music blared out from loud speakers.

Beer bars and nightclubs were packed to capacity and saw people counting down as the New Year approached.

Many others however opted for a spiritual approach to the New Year and left the churches bursting to the seams.

President Kufuor was one of those who chose to welcome the New Year by joining his usual congregation at the Christ the King Parish.

In a New Year message to Ghanaians, President Kufuor said: I wish abundant blessing, happiness, peace, unity for our country.

He promised to lead the country in good faith, best of intentions and fellow feeling for the Ghanaians.