Traders in Dzodze market lament low patronage ahead of Christmas

By Michael Foli Jackidy

Dzodze (V/R), Dec. 24, GNA – Traders at Dzodze Market in the Volta Region have expressed concerns over low patronage ahead of the Christmas fstivities.   

Many traders reported low sales; a trend they claim has persisted for the past four years due to lack of money.      

Ms. Phyllis Gabla, a cloth and lace seller, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said: “Things are bad in the market; we’re not selling at all. Unlike previous years, when I would think about restocking, this year has been terrible.”    

Ms. Dziedzorm Sallah, who sells dresses, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Since morning, I can only boast of GHC 150 in sales. Customers are simply not coming.”   

She added that most of her sales now depend on regular customers who buy on credit and pay later.    

“Unless you have customers who buy on credit, it’s almost impossible to make any sales,” she said.      

Some dealers in clothing noted that customers were prioritizing food items over non-essential goods like dresses. However, even foodstuff sellers reported similar challenges.    

Madam Peace Dordunu, a seller of rice, drinks, and other foodstuffs, also complained about poor sales.   

“Last year, by this time, we would have sold two to three sets of goods outside before evening. Today, even one set remains unsold,” she told GNA.      

Several traders attributed the low patronage to the general lack of jobs, which limits customers’ purchasing power.    

Despite the overall challenges, some traders reported slight improvements. Mr. Ibrahim Adamu, a meat seller, noted a modest increase in sales over the past two weeks.   

“The market was slow initially, but about two weeks ago, we’re getting a little improvement,” he said.     

Some traders were hopeful of last-minute sales before the New Year.  

However, for many, the festive season has fallen short of expectations, reflecting broader economic difficulties in the region.  

GNA