Ghanaians usher in New Year

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Fireworks started lightening the sky at exactly 00.00 when Ghanaians and some part of the world ushered in the New Year-2022 against the backdrop of calls for caution and the cancellation of large celebrations.

On the eve of the new year, ATLFM NEWS found people rushing to their various churches to usher in the year and Cape Coast was no exception.

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The celebration of the New Year is a centuries-old custom around the globe, although food, fireworks, and introspection with friends and family are all common threads, the specifics vary according to calendars, faiths, and cultures. While the Gregorian calendar (introduced through Christianity) has largely taken precedence in the world, the lunar and solar calendars are also acknowledged in some celebrations, serving as a time to reflect on the year that has passed and to greet the year ahead with gratitude and goodwill.

New Year

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New Year’s Day marks the first day of the Gregorian calendar, something we have become fairly familiar with around the world. While 25 March (named after the Roman god of war) was traditionally when New Year would be celebrated, this shifted during Roman times to January (more fittingly named after the Roman god of all beginnings). This New Year stems from Christianity and largely filtered its way around the world with many places taking on the Gregorian calendar. While making resolutions for new beginnings is customary, in more recent years New Year’s Eve has taken more of a centre stage with firework displays and parties of friends and family to see in the New Year.

Message

In a tweet to usher in the new year message, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo said Ghanaians have it in them to rise up and revive their fortunes.

“I am a firm, passionate believer in our national potential. We have it in us to rise up and revive our fortunes. There are brighter days ahead for mother Ghana” he wrote.

Covid Cases

On the eve of the new year, Ghana’s active COVID-19 cases stood at 10, 211 COVID-19 with a total of 142, 196 confirmed cases and 1,290 deaths.

According to experts, non-adherence to safety protocols, especially during the festive season was contributing to the increase in numbers.

A total of 8,458,155 doses of vaccines had been administered.

The Ghana Health Service urged the public to adhere strictly to the safety protocols by staying at home, observe social distancing and avoid handshaking.