Addis Ababa: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has called on the second-generation foreigners of Ethiopian origin to come home.

The premier made the call while inaugurating the Chebera Churchura Elephant Paw Lodge today.

Abiy invited the second generation of Ethiopian Diaspora to come to in three-rounds from 30th December 2023 to the end of September 2024.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, he said the first-round homecoming under the motto “Connect to Your Culture” begins from 30 December 2023 to 29 January 2024.

The diaspora members who come home during that period will celebrate various festivals, including Christmas.

And the second round homecoming dubbed “Connect to Your History” will be during the African Union annual summit in Addis Ababa, the premier said.

Abiy said the third round will be from the upcoming rainy season to 30 September 2024 under the motto “Leave Your Legacy.”

Members of the diaspora who come during this period will participate in planting seedlings and other activities, he stated.

M
embers of the diaspora who come to their country will get special discounts by the Ethiopian Airlines and Ethiopian hotels.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Shoppers are seen walking from Roxy Cinema through to Tudu to Makola and Kantamanto Market as a result of the heavy traffic build up.

Sitting in the trotro is going to be a very frustrating exercise as the Sun, with its heat, gives only one option-a walk through the forest of shops to pick a few things for the Christmas.

The continuous humming of sound, fast movement of people and goods, including ‘Christmas goats’ and ‘fowls’ offer a lively spectacle of Makola and Kantamanto Street or Market in the heart of Accra’s business district, a few hours to Christmas.

The surge in human traffic adds an extra layer of excitement as shoppers navigate through bustling crowds to complete their festive purchases.

The festive period, however, come with its share of challenges.

Price fluctuations are observed as demand peaks during the final shopping hours, prompting shoppers to exercise caution, double-check prices, and engage in negotiations with traders who feel the pressure of the going down of the Sun – closing t
ime.

Cash transactions take precedence during the bustling period, with many traders favouring the efficiency of cash over mobile money.

This preference, while expediting transactions, highlights the need for shoppers to be flexible and adapt to the evolving dynamics of the holiday rush.Security is visibly heightened as police officers from the Accra Regional Command are strategically deployed to the Kantamanto Market area.

Their presence aims at ensuring law and order, managing the crowd, and fostering a secure shopping environment.

Amidst the holiday cheer, the perennial concern of pickpockets lingers. Shoppers are reminded to stay vigilant and safeguard their belongings, even with the visible police presence, underscoring the importance of personal responsibility during the bustling shopping spree.Transportation adds another layer of complexity, with taxis charging elevated fees and online car services proving elusive. Securing a ride becomes a time-consuming task, emphasising the need for shoppers to
plan ahead and exercise patience amidst the traffic situation across the central business district.

In some instances one could spend about 30mins in one spot and not moving.

Commuters are advised to find alternative means of transportation, which is either the use of motor bike with caution.

A number of shoppers are seen adhering to health measures of donning face masks, showcasing a positive response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s educational efforts amidst the harmattan season.
Source: Ghana News Agency