Some Ghanaians have expressed mixed reactions over the state of living conditions in the country as the Christmas season nears it crux. While some have described the economy as poor inhibiting the celebrations others say they are experiencing a boom in economic activities.
During the Christmas festivities, sellers expect to make more sales, as customers hope to have enough money to spend on themselves and loved ones. It is also a period for giving to reflect the generosity of their maker, hence, the anticipated boom in economic activities and financial welfare of the people.
Some persons in Kasoa told ghananewsonline.com.gh about their economic state and preparedness as Christmas approaches.
A commission artist , Haywood Acheampong, said he expected to make more art sales during the festive season as some celebrants tend to gift their loved ones with fine portraits. He however noted that, sales have rather inexplicably dipped causing a stale 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 which [has reduced celebrants’ purchasing power]” he noted.
An Okada driver, Kay Al-Fayeed, also asserted that there’s nothing to show that the festive season is here. He added that things are lately bad financially hence his unreadiness for Christmas.
“This Christmas season hasn’t been good at all. Everyone seems to be suffering financially so know one gifts or buy much as they used to,” he noted.
A street hawker (name withheld) who sells “meat pie” also said that there has been a significant reduction in consumer buying habits during the festive season when compared to previous years.
“I will say people don’t buy things during Christmas like they used to, I don’t do a lot of “meat pies” lately because I am afraid people will not buy and I will run at a loss. These times are hard”
A market woman at new market-Kasoa, Gladys Prah, however noted that, things are running smoothly as she makes expected sales when she goes to the market. She argued that the only reason traders complain about low consumer habit is because there are many people now dealing in same business, thus, increasing supply over demand. According to her, when this happens buyers have more options to choose from causing some suppliers to lose their customers.
“It’s never true that people don’t buy anymore, it’s just that the sellers have over-multiplied overtime creating that impression. Yet still when we go to the market, there’s some decent patronage still. We will take it like that”
Similarly, a clothier, Junior Amoako, said his sales has boomed during this Christmas season as the demand keeps coming. According to him, despite complaints by Ghanaians about a poor economy, the festive season is going well as expected.
“This Christmas is going as expected, my shirt sales has increased and I am positive I will have a good time this period. In my opinion it’s not as bad as people say”
Source: Jonas Danquah || ghananewsonline.com.gh