Kumasi, Jan. 1, GNA - Thousands of people in the Kumasi Metropolis welcomed the New Year with open-air parties. The revelers, most of them sensationally dressed, defied the cold, unfriendly harmattan conditions of the night to gather at drinking spots an= d other social centres to make merry.

It was really good business for bar operators and meat sellers, especially at Krofofrom, Dichemso, Airport Roundabout, Oforikrom, Asafo, Bantama, Tech-Junction, Maakro and Adum. The people drank their heads off and danced to hip-hop, hip-life, live band and brass-band music.

A visit to Montecarlo Inn, Acuzzi's Paradise, Upper Room, Stamford Bridge, Golden Gate, Dunga La Porte, Banana Inn, Gaboo, Black Shade Spot an= d KNUST Swimming Pool, saw all these places filled to capacity and decked out with gaiety. As the siren sounded to usher in the New Year, majority of the revelers went into prayerful mood while others poured libation to wish for better things. Mr Kofi Amponsah, a 40-year old trader told the GNA reporter: 93My brother, the year 2010 was tough and full of pain for me and my family." He lost his only daughter and his business nearly collapsed as his capital kept going down.

He said his hope is that God would be more generous to him in the New Year. Madam Agartha Arhin, a transport owner and trader, complained about high interest rates charged on loans by the banks and said her prayer was that things would change. Nelly Samba, a commercial driver, wanted fuel prices to stabilize with Ghana now having joined the league of oil producing countries.