Omanghana
They say muddy pathways, deep potholes and stagnant water have made movement within the trading area extremely difficult, particularly during the rainy season.
According to the traders, the poor condition of the roads is disrupting commercial activities, damaging vehicles and discouraging customers from visiting the market.
Many shoppers reportedly prefer cleaner and more accessible markets to avoid navigating the muddy and waterlogged routes at Agbogbloshie.
The traders said delivery vehicles frequently become stuck in the mud, delaying the transportation of goods into and out of the market.
These delays have particularly affected sellers of vegetables, fruits, fish and other perishable products, which can spoil before reaching customers.
Some market women said the resulting losses have made it difficult to recover their capital, repay loans and support their families.
The poor road network has also compounded sanitation challenges within the market. Choked drains, uncollected refuse and stagnant water have created foul odours and raised concerns about public health.
Traders warned that the conditions could expose sellers and customers to disease if urgent measures are not taken to improve drainage and waste collection.
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly has introduced several interventions intended to improve conditions and reorganize commercial activities at Agbogbloshie.
The Mayor of Accra recently broke ground for the construction of new transit and sales sheds to provide traders with safer, more organized and hygienic spaces.
The assembly has also engaged market leaders and introduced contractors for the proposed Agbogbloshie 24-Hour Market Project.
The project is expected to provide warehouses, cold-storage facilities, bank branches, a police post and paved transit areas as part of a broader modernization program.
Meanwhile, the AMA Public Health task force has intensified enforcement against traders displaying goods on open drains and road shoulders.
Several traders have reportedly been arrested or fined during exercises linked to National Sanitation Days.
The assembly maintains that roadside trading contributes to congestion, obstructs drainage systems and damages engineered road infrastructure.
Although the traders welcomed plans to redevelop and modernize the market, they said the projects must not delay immediate relief.
They are therefore demanding the urgent paving of interior market roads, improved drainage and regular waste collection to protect their livelihoods while the long-term redevelopment program is implemented.
Source: Omanghana
