Ghana's dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama last Wednesday has triggered a surge in demand for World Cup paraphernalia, with vendors across the country reporting a sharp turnaround in business after weeks of sluggish sales.
Traders in major markets from Accra to Kumasi say the Black Stars' opening win has reignited public enthusiasm, prompting supporters who had adopted a wait-and-see approach to now open their wallets for jerseys, flags and other fan merchandise.
Sales boom after victory
Aziz Futa, who sells Black Stars jerseys at his shop in New Town, told the Graphic Business that sales had seen a remarkable uptick since Wednesday's victory.
"Before the match, business was very slow. People were hesitant, saying they would wait until Ghana started winning before they bought anything. Now that we have beaten Panama, the phones have not stopped ringing," Mr Futa said.
He reported that demand for both the official Black Stars jersey and replica shirts had increased significantly, with many customers purchasing multiple items.
"Some supporters are buying jerseys for their entire families. The excitement is back. I have sold more in the last three days than I did in the entire two weeks before the tournament," he added.
Vendors report increased activity
At the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, one of Accra's busiest commercial hubs, Maame Yaa, who sells World Cup and Black Stars merchandise, confirmed the uptick in sales.
"Business has picked up tremendously. Before the match, people were just looking but not buying. Now they are coming in groups, purchasing flags, jerseys and other items," she said.
Maame Yaa told the Graphic Business that she expects sales to increase further if the Black Stars beat England on Tuesday.
"God willing, if we beat England, I will need to restock. The demand is already high, and I believe it will go even higher after that match," she said.
Asare Edward, who sells Ghana flags and Black Stars jerseys at Kantamanto, one of Accra's most popular markets, also reported a significant increase in purchases.
"Since the victory, I have seen more customers than I did in the entire first week of the tournament. People are buying flags, jerseys and even hats," he said.
Cashing in
Traders are taking advantage of the Black Stars' success to cash in on sales.
Before the tournament, vendors had reported sluggish sales, with many customers adopting a wait-and-see approach. The victory over Panama has changed that, with demand for items such as jerseys, flags and other fan merchandise now exceeding supply in some areas.
Material flags that were selling for GH¢50 before the match are now being sold for GH¢65, while jerseys that were priced at GH¢100, GH¢150 and GH¢200 have seen price increases, with some now selling for up to GH¢350 depending on the type and design.
Mixed fortunes before victory
Before the Black Stars' victory, the picture was less rosy for many traders. Joshua Asante, a vendor, had told the Graphic Business that sales of World Cup paraphernalia had been slow compared to previous tournaments.
"Sales are not encouraging at the moment because many people have said they will wait until Ghana starts winning before buying. Previous World Cups were better because supporters were more excited and familiar with the players," he had said.
Another trader, Patrick Adu Mensah, had said business activity was lower than expected despite traders stocking a range of products ahead of the competition.
"People are not buying like before, although I believe sales will improve when Ghana starts winning. The morale among supporters is low, and business is very slow," he had said.
Continued success
The victory has changed that narrative, with many traders now hopeful that the Black Stars can maintain their momentum.
Dominic Asare, another vendor who had reported a different experience even before the match, said he expected sales to increase further as the tournament progressed.
"People were buying my products even before the match, and I expect sales to increase when the tournament advances. The retro jerseys are already out of stock," he said.
Conclusion
The Black Stars' victory over Panama has not only boosted the nation's morale but has also provided a much-needed lift to the local economy, with traders across the country reporting increased sales of World Cup paraphernalia.
As the team prepares to face England on tomorrow, many are hoping that the positive results will continue, leading to even more business activity.
The impact of the victory is clear: the wait-and-see approach has ended, and Ghanaians are now buying with confidence.
The prayer now is for the Black Stars to maintain their winning form and keep the sales booming.