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Price hikes during festive season
• Christmas hamper
Some traders at the Makola market in Accra have bemoaned the continuous increase of prices of goods at the market.
According to them, the current hikes in prices have dwindled their sales, as customers are not able to purchase their wares.
Price increase during the yuletide has been going on for a long time, however, this year’s increase is nothing compared with previous years.
“Since the prices started going up all my customers complain my items are expensive when I tell them the price, so they leave to find a less expensive one which I doubt they get, and end up going home.” Auntie Mary, one of the traders told The Spectator.
Comparing market of this year with last year’s, others said last year was not as bad as this year because, they were able to sell their goods to their satisfaction and got enough money to fend for their families.
While others complain of how slow the market is, traders who sell Christmas decorations also hope that though times are hard the market will boom by next week ,since people will decorate their homes in this festive occasion.
“Times are hard, but I know it will not stop people from celebrating Christmas and by next week I know my goods will finish.” a trader said.
Though traders complain of slow market, buyers fill the market every now and then to find out the prices of goods before the usual festive season price increase starts.
Miss Janet said, “I came here to buy goods before the prices are increased but I exceeded my budget and could not even get some items because the money I brought is not enough. Christmas prices will be very high this year from the look of things.”
“The reason market is not going on well is because the prices have been increased and customers leave without purchasing the products”, Auntie Akos said.
Another trader said, “Items that were sold at GH60.00 have been increased to GH120.00 which is twice the price and my customers cannot buy.”
“No one is buying my items and the task forces are also telling me to leave where I sell my items. If I leave I will not be able to take care of my family” Mrs. Armah also lamented.
They, therefore, plead with the government to provide a place for them to sell their items in other to take care of their families.
By George Osei & Josephine Nyorkor Ntreh & Serwaa Bonsu
The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.
The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.
The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.
State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.
The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.
The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:
With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku, has expressed deep sorrow following the sudden passing of Isaac Batsa, the constituency secretary for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker issued a statement on Tuesday reacting to the news, which has shocked the local political community.
Mr.Awuku praised the late NDC secretary for his bipartisan approach to local governance.
He noted that despite their different political affiliations, Batsa consistently rose above party lines to serve the constituency with diligence.
The MP revealed that the news was particularly shocking given that he had last interacted with Batsa just three days prior on Saturday.
Concluding his statement, Sammy Awuku extended his heartfelt condolences to Batsa’s family, the constituency and regional executives, and the entire NDC fraternity, wishing the deceased peaceful eternal rest.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
