With Christmas festivities officially underway, the livestock market in Accra is buzzing with activity as shoppers flock to purchase live animals for the season’s celebrations. From goats to sheep and cattle, local markets have reported a noticeable increase in demand compared to the same period last year.
Consumers in Accra are facing a price dichotomy in the meat market. Livestock prices have surged by 20-30% compared to 2023, driven by higher feed costs and transportation expenses. For instance:
Goats, priced between GHS 500 and GHS 800, depending on size, up from last year’s range of GHS 600 to GHS 800. Sheep is selling at GHS 800 to GHS 1,200, compared to GHS 700 to GHS 1,000 in 2023. Cattle prices range from GHS 2,500 to GHS 5,000, reflecting a 25% increase.
Meanwhile, frozen meat prices have seen relatively modest increments, largely influenced by import duties and global meat supply chain challenges. On average, a kilogram of frozen chicken sells for GHS 50, up from GHS 45 in 2023, while beef prices hover around GHS 70 per kilogram, a marginal rise from GHS 65 last year.
Despite the price disparity, many Ghanaians are opting for livestock due to the perception of superior freshness and the traditional value attached to live animal slaughter for festive occasions. Traders report that families prioritize buying livestock for Christmas meals, even if it stretches household budgets.
Local trader Mustafa Sani noted, “Demand is very high this year. People are buying livestock not only for family meals but also for gifting, which is a common practice during Christmas in Ghana.”
Market dynamics in 2024 show a stronger performance compared to 2023. Several factors contribute to this trend. Improved Economic Confidence, thus a relatively stable cedi has eased inflationary pressures, making buyers more confident in spending on festive necessities. Despite higher prices, the cultural significance of livestock for Christmas celebrations remains a strong motivator.
Shoppers are increasingly pooling resources to buy larger animals, such as cattle, for communal celebrations, mitigating individual costs.
In contrast, frozen meat sales have experienced only a slight uptick, mainly catering to urban households seeking convenience and affordability. Supermarkets in Accra report steady sales but not at the pace of the bustling livestock markets.
As the festive season gains momentum, traders are optimistic about record sales, despite the relative higher prices. However, they caution that continued price hikes could dampen consumer enthusiasm.
