As Muslims nationwide get ready to observe Eid ul-Fitr, some merchants have taken advantage of the occasion by raising prices on essential goods, including rice, cooking oil, African print textiles, meat, and other food products.
During a recent visit by The Mirror to the Makola and Madina markets in Accra on Tuesday and Wednesday, it was observed that prices had increased over the past week.
Sellers attributed these price hikes to growing demand and transportation expenses, emphasizing that currency depreciation, which previously played a major role, had remained stable.
Amanda Yaovi, a vendor at Makola Market, informed the reporter that a five-kilogram bag of Lele rice, which cost GH¢175 just a week earlier, was now priced at GH¢215.
Similarly, a 4.5-liter bottle of Frytol cooking oil had risen from GH¢200 to GH¢250, although she mentioned it could be bargained down to GH¢240.
"As usual, prices will drop after the celebration. As businesswomen, we take advantage of peak seasons to boost sales," she joked.
Sharp Increase in Livestock Prices
The cost of live animals, including chickens, goats, and cattle, had also surged.
At a poultry stall near the overhead bridge in Madina Market, broiler chickens that previously ranged from GH¢150 to GH¢350 were now being sold between GH¢230 and GH¢380.
"Sometimes, it's beyond our control. When demand increases, our workload also rises, so we have to charge more to keep up," explained a vendor named Danfo.
Similarly, the prices of goats and cows had escalated, ranging from GH¢1,200 to GH¢25,000.
Higher Prices for African Print Fabrics
The African print fabric market at Makola and Kingsway in Accra also experienced price increases.
Vendors noted that their primary customers were Kayayei (female head porters), who typically traveled to their hometowns for the festivities.
"If you're familiar with Muslim celebrations, you’ll know that wearing new and vibrant clothing is an essential part of Eid. They save up and purchase at least four yards of Hitarget, Woodin, or more affordable Chinese fabrics for their outfits," explained textile trader Madam Araba Rita.
Another trader, Dorothy, mentioned, "We also need to make a profit during the festive season, but if customers don't have enough money, we sometimes offer small discounts."
According to The Mirror's findings, the price of fabrics such as Hitarget and Woodin had climbed from GH¢75 per yard the previous week to GH¢90. Meanwhile, Chinese-manufactured and imitation fabrics, often unbranded, were now selling for GH¢20 to GH¢35 per yard, reflecting a GH¢6 increase.
Some Traders Keep Prices Stable
While many vendors raised prices, some maintained their usual rates.
At Yesu Mo provision shop in Madina, staple goods such as tomato paste, rice, seasoning, spaghetti, and tuna flakes remained at their previous prices.
"I want to clear my stock, and I don’t believe it’s right to raise prices simply because of the season," stated the shop’s owner, Mrs. Gladys Essuman.
She added, "Even at current prices, I’m making a profit, so there's no need to increase them."
Growing Demand for Ready-Made Clothing
Sellers of pre-made outfits—imported from Togo, Burkina Faso, and Turkey—as well as secondhand clothing dealers, reported a surge in sales and profits in the weeks leading up to Eid.
Isaiah Kokuvi Dorkenu, a shoe vendor at Makola, compared this period to Christmas or Easter, explaining that Muslim customers tend to shop extensively during Eid.
Another trader, Foster, observed that men primarily purchase jeans, shoes, and jewelry, whereas women focus on clothing and high-heeled shoes.
Customers Adapt to Price Increases
Many shoppers stated that they were not surprised by the rising costs, as this occurs every year.
"I anticipated the price hikes because that's just how things work in Ghana during festivities. To prepare, I bought key items—like a new wig and an abaya—about a month ago, knowing prices would rise," said Miss Fadila Abdul Basit.
She mentioned that she had also adjusted her spending habits.
"Instead of buying a lot, I only get one or two things that are necessary for the celebration."
For Fatima Mohammed, a mother of four, the situation was frustrating.
"My husband and I usually purchase new clothes, shoes, and gifts for our children, but this year, we have to cut back. Since this is the 'small Eid,' we’d rather save up for the 'big Eid' in September," she explained.
Similarly, Mr. Baba Osama shared that he wasn’t too concerned about the price hikes, as his family had made only modest plans for this celebration.
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