News
Inflated prices of Abaya, Jalabiya on Eid-al-Adha celebration
Muslims in Ghana and all over the world yesterday observed the Eid-al-Adha celebration.
It falls on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar and is celebrated by Muslims to mark the end of the month-long dawn-to-dusk fasting of Ramadan.
The build up to yesterday’s edition was characterised by a high demand for traditional Islamic attire here in Tamale, leading to a sharp rise in prices.
Checks by The Spectator from the various markets in the Tamale area revealed that prices for popular outfits like the Abaya, Jalabiya, and Kaftan have skyrocketed within the period.
Although there is no prescribed outfit for the celebration, many Muslims in Tamale traditionally choose modest and loose-fitting garments that reflect Islamic values.
Abayas and Jalabiyas often imported from Turkey, Dubai, Egypt, and Northern Nigeria have become particularly the most sought-after attires, resulting in the price hikes.
Currently, prices for men’s attire range from GH₵250 to GH₵800 while women’s outfits are selling from GH₵350 to GH₵1000.
Children’s garments are also not left out of the pricing craze. Bargaining for the youngsters starts from GH₵150.
Hajia Naila Abdul Karim, owner of ‘Cover with Style,’ confirmed a significant surge in sales in the holy month.
“Each day, more than 20 people, mostly women walk into the shop. We also send over 40 parcels daily to customers across the country,” she stated.
She attributed the price increases to the cedi’s depreciation and a recent shortage of Turkish imports, noting that most of her stock now comes from Dubai.
Hamdia Kamil, a loyal customer, shared her experience: “Two years ago, I bought an Abaya for GH₵350. This year, it’s GH₵650. I had no choice because it’s a special occasion and I want to feel good. Still, I hope the dresses are made affordable so others can also celebrate in style.”
At Baby Last Closet in Sakasaka, another fashion outlet, prices for women’s outfits range from GH₵350 to GH₵1,300, while men’s attire goes from GH₵250 to GH₵1,000.
“Some customers complain about the cost, but because it’s Ramadan, many still go ahead and buy,” said the shop owner.
Similarly, Mandy’s Haven at Zogbeli sells exclusively for Eid celebrations, dealing in high-end Abayas, Jalabiyas, and Kaftan materials. Prices there reflect quality and origin, with female attire ranging from GH₵450 to GH₵5,000, and kaftan fabric sold at GH₵200 per yard.
For many, including resident Iddrisu Suale, the holy month remains a sacred period despite the economic pressures. “Things are expensive this year, but I still want to make the day special for my children. I plan to get them Abayas and Jalabiyas from Egypt,” he indicated.
Despite the bustling nature of preparation and the high cost of goods, resident expressed optimism of having a good time in observing the deep spiritual significance of the occasion.
Story & photos by Paul Dery
National Chairman hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Awentami Paul Afoko, has explained that his decision to return to seek leadership of the party is driven by a singular objective: helping it recapture political power and seeing Bawumia as President.
Speaking to party faithful in the Volta, Oti and Central Regions yesterday, the Former National Chairman said he did not abandon his retirement to pursue personal ambition, but because he believes the NPP has a unique opportunity to rebuild and return to government.
“I didn’t leave my retirement to come in for any reason other than power. Power is all we want, so that we can use power to develop our country according to the way we see it,” he stated.
According to Mr. Afoko, the NPP’s founding ideals and political philosophy remain the best path for Ghana’s development, stressing that the party must first heal its internal divisions before it can convince Ghanaians to return it to office.
He warned that the party’s declining parliamentary fortunes should serve as a wake-up call for members, especially the old guard, who have sacrificed for the party over the years.
“If we sit back, especially you, the elders, if you sit back and fold your hands and watch it, the party that you have toiled for from your youth is on a trajectory downwards,” he said.
Citing the NPP’s reduced representation in Parliament, Mr. Afoko noted that the party has dropped from 169 seats to 87, describing the situation as a clear indication that urgent action is needed.
“We are now at 87 from 169. We all must stand up and say this party must turn the corner and go up,” he urged.
The chairman hopeful believes unity remains the key ingredient for the NPP’s revival and eventual return to power.
He called on members across all levels of the party to put aside their differences and work together to rebuild a stronger and more formidable political organization.
Awentami Paul Afoko’s 3Rs Campaign is built on a simple formula: Reunite, Rebuild, Recapture power. He argues that the NPP cannot win 2028 with a divided house, so the first step is to reunite all factions and bring back disgruntled members as one family.
Once the party is united, he indicates that the focus shifts to rebuilding strong grassroots structures from the polling station to the national level, giving power back to the base.
With unity and solid structures in place, the final R becomes possible, which is to recapture power from the opposition and return NPP to government.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ghana National Fire Service National Headquarters rescued a man trapped in a hotel elevator at Osu, Accra, in the early hours of Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
Led by ADO I Yussif Yakubu, the crew responded to a distress call at 1:44 a.m. The man had been stuck for about 15 minutes after the elevator stalled and its doors locked.
He was freed safely with no injuries or health complications.
GNFS commended the rescue team for their professionalism and swift action, and urged the public to call the Service immediately when lives are in danger.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
