Buea & Bamenda:

By Boris Esono in Buea3-day ghost towns

The populations of North West and South West regions are again adjusting their schedules to suit the whims and caprices of leaders of the on-going Anglophone uprising that started way back in October 2016. This is because of the extension of ghost towns from the former one day (Mondays), to full three days (Mondays to Wednesdays).

                The 3-day ghost towns went operational since 14 August, following a decree signed by the exiled leaders of the outlawed Consortium. 

According to the decree co-signed by Tassang Wilfried and Barrister Eyambe the 3-day ghost towns will be observed each week until after 1st October, when according to them, Southern Cameroonians are expected to reclaim their independence.

                The extension of ghost town days is intended to botch schools resumption on 4 September.

                The development is a bitter pill for both the authorities and the populations to swallow especially given the already grave consequences of the initial one-day ghost towns.

Some businessmen who had been complaining about losses brought about by the weekly ghost towns are complaining that the protest strategy is not good for the economic growth of the North West and South West regions. “We had understood that shutting down our shops was a sacrifice we are making for a cause. But not only has the ghost towns been ongoing for too long, but they are now adding extra days to it”, a businessman told the median newspaper.

Others however argue that the ghost towns do not affect business.

                “Everybody is informed when ghost towns are called and they know when these ghost towns are to be observed. People buy and stock what they will use during the ghost days. Those who have to travel also readjust their schedules. So I do not see any negative impact in my business," said another trader.

                It should be recalled that despite the fact that some shops and businesses were shutdown for these 3 days, other businesses were however opened given the opportunity for denizens to purchase food items and other works.

                The situation of fear can be linked to the closed down of some shops in Buea as they are all afraid of what has been happening to some people who go against the ghost town as their shops were al razed to the ground.