Business activities within the Central Business District (CBD) of the Greater Accra Region slowed noticeably on Wednesday as churches across the capital prepared to usher in the New Year with night vigils.
A visit to key commercial areas in the Accra CBD revealed a relatively calm atmosphere, with the usually vibrant end-of-year trading activity significantly subdued.
The brisk buying and selling that typically characterise the festive season were largely absent, as many residents appeared to have shifted focus to religious activities ahead of the New Year.
Despite the slowdown, trading continued at some major markets within the CBD, including parts of Makola Market, which remained moderately active as traders and buyers from surrounding communities carried out transactions.
Several traders said that sales during the season had been disappointing, with particularly low demand for staple items such as rice, cooking oil, and spices.
“The demand for rice and oil this season has been very low,” Madam Joyce Anima, a rice seller in the Accra CBD, said. She expressed optimism that sales might improve in the New Year, explaining that many of her customers had spent the Christmas period attending church conventions and retreats.
A livestock trader, Seidu Abu, also described the season as challenging, noting reduced patronage for live birds and goats despite price reductions.
“Even though we reduced prices, sales have not been encouraging compared to last Christmas,” he said, adding that goats were selling for between GH¢800 and GH¢1,100, while fowls ranged from GH¢90 to GH¢150.
Madam Justina Awotwi, a provisions shop operator within the CBD, shared similar concerns, saying sales this year had been weaker than in previous festive seasons.
However, an attendant at a popular cold store in the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said demand for frozen chicken, meat, and pork had remained relatively stable.
Meanwhile, it was observed that, heightened activity in several churches across the Accra metropolis, with auditoriums decorated and prepared for night vigils to mark the New Year. Some churches had also rented public spaces for worship and social gatherings.
In addition, entertainment spots and popular drinking pubs along major roads within the capital were seen making final preparations, including setting up live bands, to welcome revellers as the New Year approached.
