As the festive season draws near, Ghanaians are split over whether they would rather receive cash or physical gifts during Christmas. In informal street interviews across the country, respondents expressed clear preferences based on personal priorities.
Joyce Brobbey said she would rather receive money because it gives her the freedom and flexibility to choose what she genuinely needs or wants. “I would rather receive the money because, you know, it actually gives me the freedom and then the flexibility to choose what I genuinely need or want,” she explained.
Samuel Kumah, on the other hand, preferred a physical gift, arguing that money could be spent quickly while a present could serve as a lasting reminder of the giver. “Packaging gift because the money I can use it, it will finish, and the gift now, I'll remember the person through that gift and it can be there for a long period,” he said.
Joel Asante also favoured physical presents, noting that they could evoke memories whenever the recipient sees or uses them. “I would choose the gifts because gifts [are] something like anytime I'll use my eyes to see, I'll remember the person,” he said.
Ernestina Appiah agreed that money remains the better option because a physical gift might not match the recipient's taste or immediate needs. “So for me, I'll go for the money because maybe the gift that the person will get for me, you know, it's not be something that I like or I want at the moment,” she said.
The responses highlight the different considerations people make when choosing between cash and physical presents. While some prioritise convenience and personal choice, others value the memories and emotional connection associated with receiving a gift. As the festive season approaches, the choice between money and physical presents remains a matter of personal preference for those taking part in the season of giving.
