Ghost town makes Labour Day a no-show in Bamenda

The Pomp and the fanfare that usually characterize Labour Day celebrations in Bamenda was visibly absent on May 3, 2017 as the population in what is gradually becoming a tradition headed to the calls for ghost town by some identified individuals.

                Business premises and all commercial activities were completely grounded in Bamenda Business premises and all commercial activities were completely grounded. T shirts, Banners and outdoor likewise indoor celebrations that are always visible during such days in the past were absent.

                The private sector failed to answer present at the event ground at the Bamenda Commercial Avenue either because of fear or solidarity but for a handful of individuals mostly from public outfits who defied the calls and converged there to celebrate the 131 edition of the Labour Day.

                In an address to the few workers who turned-out at the Bamenda Commercial Avenue Grandstand, Northwest Governor, Adolph LeleL’Afrique, described architects and supporters of Ghost Towns as irresponsible, wayward and dangerous elements, who are mostly resident abroad, but keep sending intoxicating Ghost Town messages back home.

                “What beats my imagination is that people respect these calls religiously. We have suffered enough from Ghost Towns, Trade unions must stop threatening Government because challenging the Government is not the way of solving the problem. Social dialogue is the only way-out,” Governor LeleL’Afrique, noted.

                The Governor regretted that the socio-economic impacts of the Ghost Towns are enormous, while encouraging the population to ignore such calls because for the sake of their children.

                He told parents that keeping children at home is the worst crime they were committing because international human rights treaties guarantee all children the right to education.

                On his part, the President of Trade Unions in the Northwest Region, Lawrence NforbinNeba, making reference to the Anglophone Problem, said the problem can only be solved when Government and all the stakeholders engage in genuine dialogue.

                Lawrence NforbinNeba advocated for the unconditional release of detainees and urged Government to ensure the safe return of all Cameroonians who have fled the country as a result of the crisis.