Cape Coast, Jan. 19, GNA – A cross-section of traders at the Kotokuraba Central Business District (CBD) in the Cape Coast Metropolis are making high sales following the reopening of schools.
A survey by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at the Market on Tuesday, revealed large numbers of people buying all kinds of stationery at some stores, where the owners were of high expectation that the reopening would have a positive impact on their sales.
Mr Ekow Johnson, a shop owner at “Words of Hope Books and Stationery” told the GNA that sales was good, but expected more.
He said some of his customers told him some of their ward’s last term exercise and note books were not exhausted and therefore purchased some few stationery.
Mr Johnson said he was aware of the change in syllabi and was making arrangements for the books and other educational materials to meet the needs of his customers.
There has been a slight increase in the prices of books and other materials as compared to last academic year, the GNA noticed.
Note 1, note 3 books are selling between five to eight Ghana Cedis compared to four to six Cedis last academic year.
Exercise books are between GH¢1.20 to GH¢1.50, while mathematical set and scientific calculator increased to six Cedis from four Cedis and GH¢90.00 to GH¢100.00.
However, the price of Teacher’s notebook remained the same.
At the 21st Century Books City, Madam Anita Bessah told the GNA that business was yet to pick up.
She said prices of books and other educational materials in her shop were still the same, but patronage at her shop was low and was hopeful for an increase in sales soon.
James Ayensu, a parent told the GNA, prices of stationary and books were still affordable even though there had been a little increase in prices.
Even though there has been a change in syllabus, I was able to purchase all the books on my son’s book list as they were available in the shop’, Mrs. Esi Hammond stated.
At the Blessings of God Books and stationery shop, Miss Olivia Eshun, the owner, said sales were gradually picking up and was happy as she could now support the family adequately.
‘If there should be an inflation on the products, prices will increase drastically’, she indicated.
Ms Doris Aikins, a customer told the GNA that she was glad schools had resumed to enable all traders get income from their goods and urged the educational authorities to strictly enforce the COVID-19 safety protocols to stop the spread of the disease.
GNA