Some rather daring traders have shown the real business risk-taking spirit of the Ashanti region bracing the cold night to sleep in the open just to secure the best spots for business during the 63rd independence day commemoration in the regional capital Kumasi.
The traders, some of whom had packed their merchandise in sacks, others covered with tarpaulins around the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, ostensibly kept an eagle eye.
Some who could not keep the night watch laid mats in the middle of what could best be described as their conquered territories to catch some sleep disregarded the noise from vehicles and passersby.
The merchandise included packs of bottled and sachet water, drinks, confectioneries, paraphernalia, clothes and artifacts with some keeping grilling stands and cooking accouterments for their makeshift fast food joints.
The organizers who worked all night putting final touches to the 43 thousand-seater Baba Yara Sports stadium are optimistic huge numbers will show up to give the occasion, which is the first to happen in the Region, a befitting attendance.
The independence anniversary being celebrated on the theme: "Consolidating our Gains" will be attended by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the president Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo, a good representation from Parliament, Ministers and Government Appointees, the diplomatic core as well as traditional authorities.
The Parade which will be heralded by the security services, school cadets, pupils drawn from basic, second and third cycle schools as well as other notable groups, will have the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Keith Rowley, as the Special Guest.
