Audio By Carbonatix
Livestock traders at the Techiman Cattle Market are reporting a positive turn in fortunes as the Muslim community prepares for the climax of the holy month of Ramadan.
Adom News Bono East Correspondent Wiafe Akenten, who visited the market, reports that despite a deceptively quiet atmosphere at the market grounds on Thursday, March 19, dealers insist that the current stability of the Ghana Cedi has provided a much-needed boost to their business operations ahead of the 2026 Eid-Al-Fitr celebrations.
The market, a major hub for livestock in the region, has become a focal point for activity as families and religious organisations look to secure cattle for the upcoming festivities.
For many years, the cattle trade in Ghana has been heavily influenced by the fluctuating value of the local currency, particularly because a significant portion of the livestock is sourced from neighbouring Sahelian countries. Cattle dealers noted that the relative calmness of the Cedi in recent weeks has stabilised the cost of importing and transporting animals.
While a three-hour observation at the market saw few immediate transactions, the traders were adamant that the underlying business climate is far superior to previous years. They attributed this to more predictable pricing, which has encouraged buyers to commit to purchases earlier than usual.
A survey of the Techiman Cattle Market reveals that prices for a single bull now range from GH₵ 7,000 to a staggering GH₵ 25,000, depending on the animal's size and breed.
While the figures may appear daunting to the average consumer, traders in the Bono East Region maintain that the prices are a fair reflection of the current economic climate. They maintain that the relative stability of the Cedi has actually prevented even higher price points, which were feared earlier in the year.
The Bono East Regional Chief of Fulanis, Sariki Fulani Amadu Halidu, shared his perspective on the market dynamics, noting that the economic environment has finally aligned in favour of the traders.
“The market is good as compared to previous years ahead of the Salla festivities,” Sariki Halidu noted during an interaction, highlighting that the currency stability has trickled down to benefit both the sellers and the final consumers.
Other traders echoed the Chief's sentiments, explaining that while the physical "rush" at the market may appear lower than in peak years, the volume of pre-arranged sales and bulk orders has increased.
However, some dealers cautioned that while the Cedi remains stable, the high cost of animal feed and fuel for transportation still poses a challenge to their overall profit margins.
They expressed hope that the government would continue to maintain the current economic trajectory to ensure that the livestock sector remains viable throughout the year.
As the region gears up for the Friday celebrations, the Techiman market remains a barometer for the local economy, reflecting a cautious but firm sense of recovery within the agricultural trade sector.
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