The population of Bamenda in the North West region respected a call to observe a ‘ghost towns’ operation by staying at home as the AFCON trophy presentation convoy crisscrossed the city.

After a euphoric reception in Bafoussam a day before, the caravan made up of officials of the Ministry of Sports and the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) was accorded a low key reception in Bamenda, sources said.

The Governor of the North West Adolphe Lele Lafrique, and former Prime Minister Achidi Achu were among some top personalities of the region who welcomed the trophy caravan led by the Minister Bidoung Mkpatt and FECAFOOT President Tombi A Roko Sidiki in Santa.

At Matazem, gateway into Bamenda, lone Indomitable Lions player in the convoy, Jonathan Ngwem received traditional attire from Bamenda City Council delegate.

Downtown, businesses were closed, township taxis, Motor bikes off the road….not to pave the way for circulation though, but in respect to a call to boycott the trophy presentation ceremony.

Unlike in Bafoussam, fewer people turned out and cheered as the AFCON trophy caravan cruised from Up-station through the new road down to Nkwen, then to Bambili and back to town passing through Cow-street and Ayaba to the Commercial Avenue ceremonial ground.

Some of those who came to cheer the team, carried placards demanding the restoration of the internet in the region.

“Congratulations to the Lions, but #BringBackOurInternet,” on the placards read.

The two English speaking regions of the North West and South West have been rocked by months of strikes.

The interim leaders of the outlawed group that has been coordinating protests in the North West and South West regions called for the boycott.

There are fears that the AFCON trophy delegation would be given same reception in Buea in the South West region on Friday.