Border closures have affected business – Traders complain as they prepare for seasonal sales

Sales at Akatsi South Central Market in the Volta region increased on Wednesday, December 23 as it marks the last market day for the Christmas celebration.

Ms. Lydia Dzineku Abadzivor, the queen of the market in an interview with ModernGhana news, explained that while covid-19 has affected their sales from March to today, they pray and hope to meet their sales targets before the end of the Christmas season.

She said the mad rush of buyers did not surprise her as it is a normal routine when the year is about to end.

Ms. Dzineku lamented that the country’s border closures have affected their businesses as most traders get their goods from neighboring Togo.

“The prices of the items have increased because the demands are higher than the supply,” she said.

Mr. Edem Agbo, a motorcyclist, added that their “Okada” activity has grown massively as many people travel for their Christmas items.

The prices of items such as shoes, shirts, clothing, foodstuffs, among others, have increased on average by 2-3%.

Madam Juliana Apedo, a wholesaler also reported that, covid-19 coupled with the just ended general election and its related issues have really affected their businesses compared to last year, giving them massive profits .

Traders are now hoping and praying that the pandemic and the December 7 election tensions that have affected their business this year will be brought under government control to make greater profits next year.

Many are still looking for their Christmas items.