By Gloria Amoh
The sun rose slowly over the wide spread of Mallam Market, casting long shadows across the bustling stalls. The market, once a hub of vibrant commerce and cheerful chatter, now echoed with the murmurs of discontent and the occasional outburst of frustration.
Aunty Ama, a seasoned vegetable seller, arranged her produce with a weary sigh. According to her, vegetables, especially tomatoes were never this expensive but as a result of the current inflation, prices have surged so high that even her loyal customers hesitated to buy in their usual quantities.
“A box of tomatoes that used to cost 250gh is now 350gh. How can people afford to eat?” She said
Also, Mr. Antwi, a trader in grains, nodded in agreement as he listened to Aunty Ama and said, “It’s the same with rice and beans. People come and look at the prices, and walk away. They say they can’t even afford half of what they used to buy,” He explained.
Inflation has gripped Mallam Market squeezing both sellers and buyers. Essentials like rice, beans, tomatoes, pepper and cooking oil have seen the rapid increase. A gallon of cooking oil, which once sold for 700gh now costs over 750gh.
Bread, which happens to be a staple in many households, has almost doubled in price. Even local spices, usually affordable, have become expensive for many.
Moreover, a regular customer, roamed with a wrinkled brow in the market with a furrowed brow. His family’s needs remained the same, but his money seemed to finish faster with each visit.
“I don’t want to even come to this market anymore because everything is so expensive here nowadays but with time, we will adapt to the inflation,” He lamented.
Julian, another shopper, brought her purse as she bargained with a particular fruit seller saying, “please, can’t you reduce the price just a little?”
She pleaded but the seller shook her head remorsefully and also said ” if I lower the price any more, I’ll be at a loss. It’s hard for everyone as we are witnessing inflation in the country”.
Additionally, Mr. Amissah, a local school teacher, stood at a fish stall, calculating whether he could afford both fish and meat for his family. “This inflation is killing us, salaries haven’t increased, but prices keep rising,” He uttered.
Despite the hardship, Mallam Market continued to vibrate with energy. The resilience of its people, their ability to adapt to the current inflation situation hinted at the hope that they will endure. The sun sets on the market, casting a golden hue over the stalls, a reminder that dawn always follows the darkest night.
