The Muslim community in Wa is gearing up for the Eid-Ul-Adha celebration (the Festival of Sacrifice) scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
Livestock and dress sellers, and dressmakers in Wa are recording increased sales as the people prepare for the celebration, characterised by merry-making and the sacrificing of animals, particularly sheep.
During a visit to the Fadama Market in Wa at the weekend, the Ghana News Agency (GNA) observed that many people were there to secure their animals ahead of the celebration.
Also, some dressmaking shops the GNA visited showed that the dressmakers were working hard to deliver their clients’ dresses on schedule for the Eid celebration.
With Eid still a few days away, livestock sellers at the Fadama Market told the GNA in an interview that they were optimistic about a boom in sales despite the rising animal prices.
A livestock seller, who only gave his name as Yussif, however, said demand for sheep this year had reduced compared to previous years, attributing it to the high prices of sheep.
He said: “The prices of the sheep have gone very high because where we go to take them, they have increased the prices, so when we come here, you have to also increase the price.
“Right now, if you want a correct sheep, you have to hold like GH¢5,000.00,” he explained, but expressed optimism of having a good sale within this Eid period.
Abdul Rashid, also a goat seller at the Fadama Market, confirmed the trend and said goats currently cost between GH¢300.00 and GH¢1,000.00 depending on the size.
However, Abdul-Kardir Dauda, a cattle seller, said high sheep prices are driving buyers toward cattle instead, as people prefer to pool resources and buy a cow to share.
“The price of the sheep is almost as high as the price of a cow, so people are choosing to come together to buy a cow and share rather than buy the sheep”, he said.
On clothing, dress sellers reported booming trade, particularly in the female Muslim dress called “abaya”.
Ms. Samira Sungnuma, a dress seller in Wa, said demand for “abaya” has been notably higher than for other types of dresses.
“This year’s Eid Alhamdulilah, they are buying the abayas more. Everything is moving smoothly here”, Hajia Lubaba of Bagaya Enterprise said.
Abayas are priced between GH¢200.00 and GH¢1,500.00, depending on the design and quality, with sellers noting that prices have remained stable despite the increased demand.
The dressmakers also reported being under pressure, with high numbers of orders ahead of the celebration.
Mustafa Arafat of Universal Fashion said he has received over 50 pieces of clothing to sew for this Eid, describing it as a massive number compared to normal days.
He said the kaftan (top and down) with embroidery is the most popular style among male customers.
Also, Ms Zulifawu of NNZ Fashion said she had received over a hundred orders and had to stop accepting new orders in order to meet the customers’ timelines.
Rudez of Rudez Fashion said he has equally been overwhelmed with orders but is confident of delivering all clothes before the celebration.
