Business was brisk by the day in Bawku as residents prepared for Christmas today .
A survey conducted by GBC’s Upper East regional correspondent, Samuel Ayammah showed that traders were doing brisk business, but a visit to the Bawku fowl market showed that patronage of guinea fowls and other local ones was low.
Traders in the Bawku fowl market have expressed worry over the low patronage of fowls for the festive season, which is often characterized by merry making, cooking and dining with friends and family.
However, when Radio Ghana visited the market in Bawku, only a few customers were seen around with many fowls waiting to be sold.
Traders quoted one guinea fowl selling between 40 and 50 Ghana cedis instead of the previous GHC30 and GHC35.
A local fowl which used to sell between GHC25 and GHC35 Ghana now goes for GHC35 and GHC45.
Mr. Morro Pusiga, a trader in poultry said prior to the festivities, he anticipated good sales, because election years coupled with Christmas often brought them good fortunes.
Mr. Daniel Yakubu, a guinea fowl seller expressed worry over the low patronage and called on government through the Bawku Municipal Assembly to provide them with sheds.
Mr. Yakubu Alem, who is also into the Dove business said a dove which used to sell at 10 cedis now goes for five cedis.
Other traders who spoke to GBC’s Radio Ghana, however said, the story this year is completely different as business had almost come to a standstill.
They said the situation is affecting them badly as they spent large sums of money to stock their businesses ahead of the festive season.