Low sales hit livestock market ahead of Christmas festivities

With just two days to Christmas, traders at the livestock market in Accra are expressing concerns over poor sales despite the festive season, which is traditionally a peak period for their business.

During a visit by GTV’s Jay Garbrah to the Kwame Nkrumah Circle livestock market on December 23, 2024, traders lamented the sharp decline in sales compared to previous years. They attributed the situation not to high prices but to a general lack of money in circulation.

“The market is bad because there is no money in town,” said Mr. Adamu, a livestock trader. He added that while they remain hopeful for an improvement, the current situation has been discouraging.

Another trader, Mr. Alidu, shared similar sentiments, explaining that when Christmas coincides with an election period, sales often slow down. Comparing this year to the previous festive season, he revealed a significant drop in sales.

“By this time last year, I had sold 35 goats, but this year, I’ve managed to sell only five. I don’t know what is happening,” Mr. Alidu said, adding that despite the challenges, they cannot abandon their trade.

Mr. Abdul Mumin also noted that Christmas usually brings in higher sales, but this year has been different. He expressed hope that sales would pick up by December 25.

Currently, livestock prices in the market range from GHS 1,000 to GHS 4,800, depending on the size and quality of the animals.

As the festive season reaches its peak, traders remain optimistic that last-minute shoppers will turn things around and make this Christmas a profitable one.