By Bernice Bessey
One of the busiest business centres in Accra, the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, has bounced back to life, after it nearly became a ghost town following June 3, 2015 torrential rains and fire outbreak that claimed about 150 lives and destroyed properties, including buildings.
The centre, which is often alive 24 hours a day, and a preferred choice to commute and trade, especially hawkers, was abandoned by business owners and commuters. Other traders who gathered courage to sell also close early, especially, when the weather shows signs of rain.
A few weeks after the floods, getting public transport at Circle after 9:00pm was difficult, as vehicles were hardly to be spotted at the most patronised lorry station in the capital – Kaneshie Station. A groceries shop owner told the Accra file that her business was ruined by the flood.
Describing how her shop was ruined, she said: “My sister, look at this big shop of mine and the step you have to climb to enter, but, surprisingly, water filled it to the ceiling. Everything got destroyed. I have to start all over again.”
Almost three months after the floods, it seems city authorities have a daunting task to handle, as traders and hawkers are gradually taking over the streets and pavements. Businesses that shutdown are showing signs of resurrecting, as the rainy season is coming to an end and with the opening of the first phase of the 3-tier interchange.
Kwame Nkrumah Circle
This business centre was named after Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah. It is often referred to the center of the capital, Accra. It is a place where every business would like to have an establishment or a branch, because thousands of people ply through daily.
What attracts commuters to Circle are the various stations it has, with vehicles plying various destinations of the city and country. Circle can never be described completely without speaking about the pickpockets, bag snatchers and thieves that make one always alert, over-vigilant, too careful, and over-suspicious of the person next to him or her.
The construction of the 3-tier interchange is another plus to spark up the beauty and life at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle.