Seidu Sulemana Akudugu, a Senior Environmental Health Assistant at the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly, has advised market vendors to prioritize the safe handling and storage of their goods.
According to Mr. Akudugu, some vendors spread consumable goods and vegetables directly on the ground, which is a concerning practice. He emphasized the need for vendors, especially vegetable sellers, to use tables to prevent contamination.
In an interview on the Trade Talks show on A1 Radio, Mr. Akudugu shared his concerns: “As an environmental health officer, we engage with market conditions daily, especially on market days. For instance, at the donkey market, we have had to confiscate vegetables multiple times because they were being sold on the ground. Despite our efforts to educate the vendors and enforce guidelines, the practice continues. We urge vendors to use tables to keep their produce off the ground to prevent contamination.”
He added, “We have been educating vendors on the importance of using tables for their goods. Although some vendors are making changes, others still place their produce on the ground, often hiding them when we arrive. Despite these challenges, we are committed to improving market sanitation and ensuring that vendors follow proper food safety practices.”
Mr. Albert Akanmim, Assistant Director 2b at the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly, also called on both buyers and sellers to prioritize their own safety when at the market. He noted that the assembly is working to enhance market safety, including improving lighting and security.
Mr. Akanmim said, “Safety starts with personal responsibility. We all need to ensure that we are protected while transacting business in the market. The assembly has implemented several measures, including the presence of city guards and efforts to improve market lighting. We are aware of technical challenges, but we are making every effort to address them. While safety cannot be guaranteed entirely, we encourage everyone to take personal safety seriously while in the market.”
Trade Talks is a program funded by Global Affairs Canada through Canadian Feed the Children under the SHINE project. It aims to advocate for government policies that support productive poor communities in creating and managing viable business enterprises, contributing to sustained poverty reduction and wealth creation.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Ghana
