The New Year is probably the best time for Ghanaians, as Christians and non-Christians meet under the same roof to offer prayers and worship their maker, and ask for blessings and protection in the coming year and beyond.

Residents in the relatively not too impressive economy of the Eastern Region, which has several natural resources yet is under-developed, with Koforidua as its capital, observed the coming of the year 2013 in grand style.

As traditionally associated with the celebrations of New Year in Ghana, Christians and what can be described as New Year worshippers besieged the various churches in the region to usher and show appreciation to the Almighty God for His protection and guidance through the year 2012.

December 31, which receives all sort of names such as Crossover and Watch Night among others, was lived up to expectations, as the atmosphere of the town known as Koforidua flowers was charged with the spirit of God.

This follows the overwhelming patronage of churches in the capital, as Christians who were clad in all white attire, danced and sang their hearts out to the glory of God.

At the stroke of midnight, Christians prayed to God their maker for His protection and blessings amidst fireworks and any other instrument that can be good enough for making noise as 2012 exchanged the baton with 2013.

Interestingly, a cross-section of the same residents who visited the various churches to ask forgiveness of their sins and sought God's protection and blessing, later in the early hours of the day took to the various night clubs in town to continue with their celebrations.

The nightclubs and bars in the capital attracted maximum crowds on the occasion, which partied till the wee hours of the morning, whilst those not interested in loud music, headed for the restaurants.

Meanwhile, there was a total peaceful atmosphere as the Regional Police Command dispatched hundreds of personnel to protect and provide law and order during and after the celebrations.