The 15th Annual Trade Fair opened in Accra last Saturday has attracted some agitations by some exhibitors and members of the public over the one-time entry policy of organizers of the event. Under this arrangement, interested members of the public do not enjoy the luxury of entering into the fair with the same ticket acquired earlier in the day. A trip to the Trade Fair grounds by the Times saw members of the public, arguing with officials of the fair over the introduction of the policy. They maintained that there wasn't any notice to alert people of the new policy and that they went in and bought items into their cars outside, only to be denied entry into the fair grounds. Exhibitors were not left out as they were told to buy tickets before entering and go back for a refund. An exhibitor who spoke to the Times maintained that he brought items earlier inside but needed to get out and buy food only to be told to get a ticket and when he insisted he had no money, he was kept outside to get a ticket before entering. Exhibitors maintained that it was unfair to demand tickets from them, while they had registered to conduct legitimate business at the fair. Members of the public, on the other hand, were of the view that an acquired ticket should be enough to ensure one's re-entry unto the grounds, arguing that there should be notices indicating the one-time policy boldly displayed at the entry point to inform people about the new arrangements. When Times contacted, Jonathan Kludje, a member of staff in charge of the ticketing team on duty, he explained that upon buying the initial tickets, exhibitors were given identification cards to ensure entry for the two week fair, however they had to buy tickets for entry against if they misplaced their ID cards. He said the one-time policy had been displayed at various points but had obviously been overlooked by some visitors to the fair. Mr. Kludje said the aim of the new arrangement was to introduce international fair standards to events in the country, and to stop people from transferring tickets to others in order to transact their own businesses without going through the needed processes. He urged the public to read posters pasted around to know what to do, adding that exhibitors needed to prove they were really transacting business at the fair by putting on their tags for easy identification. Mr. Kludje explained that apart from the ticketing problems, the fair was doing well and hoped that as it continued the necessary adjustments would be made to enable both exhibitors and the public to enjoy the fair. Source: Ghanaian Times