Some market women at the Makola market in Accra are unhappy over low sales with barely few days to Christmas.
According to the sellers, they have not experienced anything like this in a long while and have blamed it on the high cost of goods and the depreciation of the dollar.
Ghana is struggling with out-of-control inflation as a result of the skyrocketing prices of goods and services. Additionally, government finances are in the worst shape in years, with the cedi performing poorly against the dollar, reflecting the seriousness of the country’s economic problems.
One trader who spoke with Republic press indicated that things are expensive and as result, customers are not buying as Christmas approaches.
“We do not see any sign of Christmas because the market is not good. Our customers are not able to buy them because things are expensive. I sell groundnut and last year, one sack of groundnut was GH700 but this year, it is GH2600.
“This year is not good and so government should make things come down so we can also sell and get something for Christmas.”
Hamdalatu Sulemana who also sells at the Makola market said she has been sitting since morning and have not been able to make any sales.
“Look at how I am sweating. Since I came in the morning, not even one person has come to ask me what I am selling. You would not even know we are in the festive season. Last year, this 5kg rice was GH30.00 but it is now GH90.00. You could buy more with GHS100.00 last year but you cannot buy anything today.
“Because the things are expensive, selling has become difficult. Things are hard,” she added.
Another trader also said: ” I have been selling rice, oil, canned foods and other goods here for over 35 years. I have never seen anything like this before. Things have become expensive too in this country that people cannot buy them. About two months ago, people were buying a little but now, with just a week to Christmas, the market has been very slow.
“Dollar is coming down but when we go to buy to come and sell, it is not showing.
