Tilapia sellers and fish managers at Ablekuma Joma in the Ga West Municipality, Greater Accra Region, say frequent power outages and poor road networks are causing their perishable products to spoil and driving their businesses to collapse.
Samuel Glova Joma Faakye, the area’s sea chief, explained that the bad road network deters traders who travel from other regions to buy tilapia.
He said the market women always complain bitterly about the poor roads, and sometimes it takes a long time to get vehicles to transport the fish.
Gifty Teye Kudjoe, a trader, stressed that the area lacks proper pipe water. As a result, they often bathe in the same water used for fishing, which exposes them to waterborne diseases and skin rashes.
According to her, power cuts make it impossible to keep fish frozen, leading to rapid spoilage. This results in significant losses of stock and revenue for the sellers.
Nawomi Amankwah, a trader, is appealing to the government for a shelter by the riverside. She explained that sitting in the sun for long periods causes them harm.
She added that the poor road network forces them to rely on pragyia and motorcycles, which is difficult and called on government to come to their aid.
Report by Bernard K Dadzie Greater Accra Region
