Vendors at the Chalewote Street Art Festival are hoping to make good sales on the last day of the week long event. The festival drew a larger crowd on Saturday compared to previous days. Despite the increase in foot traffic, many vendors expressed disappointment, reporting lower sales compared to last year. Some vendors also voiced concerns about the varying costs of stands, with several opting to share canopy spaces to reduce individual expenses and make the most of their investment.
Omo Owe, a vendor who traveled from Nigeria to sell her African print (Ankara) at the festival, described the experience as a loss. She revealed that she had paid GH¢ 3,000.00 for her stand but was now struggling to meet her sales expectations. Similarly, Sadat Asare, a local vendor from Kumasi, shared his frustration over the sharp increase in stand costs, which had doubled from GH¢ 2,000.00 in 2023 to GH¢ 4,000.00 this year. Asare urged the festival organizers to reconsider the pricing, emphasizing the need to support vendors to ensure their continued participation in future events.
In addition to the challenges with sales, the festival faced some technical difficulties, particularly with lighting. Vendors and the event’s main stage were left in darkness for much of the latter part of the event.
The lighting problems frustrated both vendors and attendees, with some disappointed visitors leaving the event area early and moving into the Osu township, where street performers, music, and live entertainment offered alternative activities.
As the festival ends today, vendors remain hopeful of a better turnout and improved sales, hoping to recoup their investments before the event closes.
