Traders at Agomenya in the Odumase krobo Municipal of the Eastern Region have appealed to government and municipal authorities to urgently clear piled up refuse at a refuse dump in the Agomenya market.
They have warned that the situation poses serious health risks to both adults and children in the market.
The refuse dump, which has existed for over thirty years, is located in the market close to food vending points, and vegetables sellers, raising fears of the spread of airborne and communicable diseases.
Traders say the continuous accumulation of waste has created an unhealthy environment, especially during hot weather, when offensive odour and swarms of flies become unbearable.
According to the traders, “We are exposed to health dangers, while food sold near the dump risks contamination.”
They expressed concern that if immediate action is not taken, they could face outbreak of diseases that could have been prevented.
Speaking to Agomenya market Chief, Nene Tetteh John Kwesi, he appealed to the Lower Manya Krobo Municipal Assembly to treat the issue as an emergency and deploy the necessary resources to clear the refuse and restore environmental safety.
He stressed that clean surroundings are essential for healthy living and should not be neglected.
The queen mother of Agomenya market, Madam Patience Yaawah Amaki, confirmed the concerns raised by traders and residents and backed their plea for urgent intervention.
She disclosed that several efforts to draw the attention of the Assembly to the situation have so far yielded no results, leaving the residents frustrated and exposed to health risks.
The market Chief Nene Tetteh John Kwesi called on the Municipal Assembly and relevant sanitation authorities to act swiftly, noting that the wellbeing of the traders must be prioritized.
He emphasized that effective waste management and a clean environment are critical to preventing disease and improving the quality of life in Odumase Krobo Market.
Traders remain hopeful that their appeal will be heeded and that immediate steps will be taken to clear the refuse and prevent further deterioration of environmental and public health conditions in the Market.
By Nenebi Ayertey David
