Drinking bar operators and outdoor event organisers in Ho, the Volta Regional capital, are counting their losses as people deserted their programmes and trooped to churches for activities to welcome the New Year, 2013.

The churches were jam-packed for watch night events while entertainment spots in the city were largely empty throughout Monday 31 December night.

Irrespective of loud music at the drinking bars, one could only see eye-catching lights of different colours and empty tables and chairs at those spots.

Christopher Agbenyo, a bar attendant at a popular drinking spot on the Reverend Trost Streets off Ho Polytechnic Road, said he regretted not going to church because he sold only three bottles of soft drinks throughout the whole night.

“We have stocked our fridges for the watch night but people are not here. It is a great disappointment,” he stated.

Agbenyo said he taught after church service, people would come to relax at the bar but that was not so.

Other drinking bar attendants and event organizers who pleaded anonymity, expressed similar sentiments.

At the Royal Garden Restaurant near the Headquarters of the Evangelical Presbyterian (E.P) Church, Dela Cathedral, a handful of people, mainly teenagers were seen dancing to loud music.

The churches, however, welcomed the New Year in grand celebrations.

At the Jubilee Christian Centre, Ho, it was a dancing galore, which was later climaxed by a sermon on the topic, “Arise” delivered by Reverend James Noble Tulasi.

He said though 2013 would be quite tough, God’s favour would be abundant for the people and underscored the need Ghanaians to enter 2013 with positive attitudes.

After a brief end of year report, Apostle Mawufemor Senyo Cudjoe, Founder and General Overseer of the Fountain of Life Chapel International, led the Church in an impressive praise and worship moment.

He said 2013 would be a prosperous year and asked the congregants to love their neighbours and to be worthy ambassadors of God.

The Church prayed for Ghana and its leaders.