Poor Sales Plague Asankrangwa’s Last Market of 2024

Businessmen and women in Asankrangwa have expressed significant disappointment over the performance of the final market day of 2024, citing widespread economic hardship as the primary cause for a drastic slowdown in sales. On Tuesday, December 24th, 2024, PAZION MEDIA/TV conducted interviews with traders during the last market in Asankrangwa, revealing widespread concerns about low customer turnout and the inability of buyers to afford goods, painting a bleak picture of the local economy. These issues highlight the tangible impact of financial strain on local businesses and underscore the urgency for economic improvement.

The interviews revealed a stark contrast between the expected festive market activity and the reality experienced by the traders. Many business owners lamented the significant drop in customer patronage, citing a widespread lack of funds among consumers. This resulted in an unusually quiet and slow final market day, which traditionally is a time of brisk business and high sales. Customers also voiced their complaints about the high prices of goods, making purchases increasingly difficult. The combination of these factors created a challenging environment for business owners, casting a shadow over what is usually a celebratory period.

Miss Rosemary, one of the traders interviewed, stated that the lack of money in the local economy has severely dampened the energy normally seen during the last market day in Asankrangwa. She expressed hope that the upcoming change in government would bring about positive economic changes, leading to a more prosperous market experience in 2025 and the years ahead. Her comments reflect a widespread desire among business owners for a more stable economic environment.

Francisca, another trader, elaborated on the challenges faced by buyers, noting that customers were consistently complaining about a shortage of money and were unable to afford the prices of the goods being sold. She attributed the economic downturn to inadequate rainfall, which has negatively impacted galamsey, the predominant activity in the area that many youth are engaged in. The decline in galamsey has had a ripple effect on the local economy, reducing the purchasing power of many residents. She also noted a significant difference from the previous year, when she experienced high customer traffic and strong sales throughout the day. “The large number of people seen in the market this year does not reflect in sales”, she added.

The consensus among the market men and women was that business slowed down considerably during the 2024 final market day compared to previous years. Many traders expressed the surprising sentiment that regular market days were actually more prosperous than the much-anticipated last market of the year. This highlights the unexpected severity of the economic challenges and the unusual downturn in customer patronage. The traders’ hope for a better economic climate following the change in government is a testament to the critical need for government policies that address the underlying issues and promote economic growth and stability. The final market of 2024, usually a time of economic boom, has been overshadowed by the harsh realities of economic hardship, leaving traders and customers alike hopeful for a more positive outlook in the coming year.