By Kamal Ahmed
Somanya (E/R), March 26, GNA – As Muslims in Ghana prepare to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, which signifies the end of Ramadan, rising costs of traditional attire have become a challenge leaving many unable to afford new garments for this sacred celebration.
The growing demand for traditional Islamic attire like abayas and jalabias during Eid festivities, highlights both the cultural significance of these garments, and the influence of economic challenges and currency fluctuations on local markets.
The price hike is particularly in busy markets such as Nima, Maamobi, Newtown, Tudu, and other Muslim communities where sellers are capitalizing on the increased demand for festive wear.
Traditional Islamic garments, such as jalabias and abayas, are key symbols of renewal and devotion during Eid celebrations.
A market survey by the Ghana News Agency reveals that these items, mostly imported from countries like Dubai and Saudi Arabia, now cost significantly more, with quality jalabias starting at 600 cedis and abayas at 1,500 cedis.
High-end pieces can reach up to 3,000 cedis, reflecting steep price hikes compared to previous years, making them less affordable for many Ghanaians.
Hajia Shamsiya Nurudeen, a prominent seller of Islamic attire, attributed the sharp rise in prices of festive garments to the cedi’s ongoing depreciation against the dollar.
“The spike in the dollar has significantly raised the cost of imported items such as jalabias, abayas, and other fabrics,” she explained.
She said abayas now ranged from GHS 2,000 and 3,000, while jalabias cost between 400 and 700 Ghana cedis, emphasising that the high prices were beyond her control.
“If the dollar comes down, we will surely reduce the prices,” she said, urging the government to take proactive measures to lower import and export fees and stabilise the dollar rate, as even the Togo CFA remains high.
This highlight growing worries about inflation’s impact on religious and cultural celebrations.
Hajia Shamsiya stressed that wearing new clothes was not a religious obligation for Eid-ul-Fitr or Eid-ul-Adha, therefore Amid this financial strain, some religious leaders were promoting a more modest approach to Eid traditions
“It hasn’t been ordered by Allah to wear new clothes during Eid, so if you don’t have the money to buy new attire, don’t stress yourself,” she advised, underscoring that the celebration’s true essence laid in its spiritual significance and not material displays.
The rise in festive attire prices reflected not only currency fluctuations, but also broader economic pressures, Ms Hawawu Issah, a fabric seller from Koforidua, echoed these concerns.
Mr Lukman Azizu, a date vendor, highlighted the struggles faced by families due to soaring fabric prices, opting for the more affordable fabric for himself, his four children, and two spouses.
He expressed worry that without made-in-China fabrics, his family would struggle to partake in Eid-ul-Fitr prayers, pointing to the prohibitive costs of jalabias and GTP fabrics as major concerns.
He urged the government to address these economic difficulties inherited from the previous administration to safeguard the country.
Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, is a time of communal prayer, feasting, and gift exchanges, including new clothing.
As the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan fosters spiritual growth and empathy for the less fortunate.
However, rising costs and economic hardships are increasingly overshadowing the traditional celebrations, leaving many questioning their ability to uphold the occasion’s customs.
GNA
DL/CAA