They attributed it to low cash flow in the system, relatively high prices and the commonality of the goods sold.

Mr. Jamal Baba, a sales executive at Hajia Ayisha Ventures, told the Ghana News Agency that the low patronage was due to the fact that many people sold the same products in the market.

Besides, the prices of those goods were beyond the pocket of the low income earners in the community.

He sold a 25-kilogram bag of perfumed rice at an average price of GHC120.00; while the five kilogram bag was about GHC25.00.

Hajia Zeliya of the M-mart Branch at the market said the patronage was quite low, long before the Christmas season.

They sold a bag of perfumed rice for GHC130.00; while the 25 litres gallon of the frytol cooking oil was sold at GHC150.00.

She said her prayer was that patronage would increase before the year ended.

Mr. Saeed Mohammed, the Manager of Praise God Cold Store, however, said the rate of patronage was just like the pre-season's.

He said sales usually jumped during the Yuletide but this year, it was different.

A kilo of fish was between GHC10.00 and GHC12.00; while that of chicken ranged from seven cedis to GHC15.00 depending on the part of the chicken demanded.

Mr Samuel Agana, who sold live broilers, also said the business was moving rather slowly.

He said last year's sale was much better.

Mr. Agana said his prices ranged from GHC30.00 to GHC50.00.

During the GNA's annual Christmas Survey, traders characteristically tend to appreciate the previous year's sales.