Some sections of Ghanaians have expressed mixed reactions over the state of living conditions in the country as the Christmas season inches closer.

According to some patrons, while the state of the economy was a major factor inhibiting the celebrations, things are beginning to look up for the country with the appreciation of the cedi against major trading currencies. This, they felt, must reflect in their purchases.

These Ghanaians opined that despite the Ghana Union of Traders Association’s appeal to the trading communities to reduce the prices of goods and services in accordance with the current appreciation of the Cedi, they do not pre-empt that happening anything soon.

Interacting with Vaultz News, Mercy Afra, a nurse, revealed that her expectations for the year has already been quashed by the soaring price of goods in the country. She stated that she has no plans of buying new clothes for herself but will rely on what she has to sail through the season and spend quality time with her family instead.

“I’m not feeling festive at all. Although the cedi has made some gains, these traders on the market are too greedy to actually reduce the prices of goods. They will milk buyers to their last cedi and I don’t intend spending more than what my salary can afford.”
Mercy Afra

The same sentiment was echoed by Julius Sarpong, an accountant, who was of the opinion that he is relying on his employer’s end of service package to enjoy the holidays. He noted that making an attempt to buy essentials such as oil and rice will create a “black hole” in his finance.

“Well, this year’s Christmas doesn’t favor some of us at all. I know some have the means to overspend without having to think about the month of January but I have to factor the coming month as well and for me to avoid being financially down, I have to be more cautious in my indulgence. As for the traders, they can do what they like.”
Julius Sarpong

On his part, Eugene Aryeh, highlighted that being a national service personnel and living on his own on the meagre allowance makes it impossible for him to relish the season the way he intends to. He explained that although he knows of the appreciation of the cedi and GUTA’s attempt to get the traders to reduce prices of goods, it is a vain move because these traders want to take advantage of the situation and rake in more profit.

“This is going to be tough season for me being far away from my family. Although I want to be with them, I can’t go to the village, so I will try to celebrate with my friends. Maybe I will purchase meals from food vendors instead of cooking as the latter will cost more. In this season, I think some of us have to make the best out of what we have and not rely on an institution to try to convince traders or anyone else to reduce the prices.”
Eugene Aryeh

Despite the seeming disappointment in some Ghanaians, Alison Apeagyei, was quite optimistic in celebrating the season. She indicated that she won’t allow “any economy dictate” how her year ends.

“Yes, things might not be the best and I may not have all the money in the world but I promise you I will enjoy this Christmas because I have been able to sail through the year by God’s grace.”
Alison Apeagyei

Traders express chagrin in sales ahead of Christmas

During the Christmas festivities, sellers and traders equally expect to make more sales even as customers hope to have enough money to spend on themselves and loved ones.

According to some traders at the Community 1 market in Tema, their customers are not alone in the struggle as they have no choice but to maintain the price of goods as they must offload the old stock bought at the previous dollar rate before any changes can be undertaken.

Speaking to Haywood Acheampong, an appliances seller, he opined that he expected to make more sales during the festive season as some celebrants tend to spruce up their homes ahead of the celebrations. He however noted that, sales have rather inexplicably dipped causing a slowdown in the business.

“This Christmas, things aren’t going well. It is not going how we expected it at all. I don’t even know if we can blame it on the poor state of the economy or the inability of people to pay.”
Hayford Acheampong

A boutique owner by name Adwoa, revealed that sales has been unusually low this year. She noted that she has made some sales but they cannot be compared to previous years sales.

“Anytime a customer walks in, they complain about the prices of the items and I make them understand my offer is the best they can get in this market. With as low as GHC150 they can afford a dress but they still think it’s on the high side, especially my old customers.”
Adwoa