Accra: Traders at Mallam Atta Market in the Malata Electoral Area say poor security and sanitation are driving customers away and hurting business. The market, once a busy trading hub in the Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly of the Greater Accra Region, now hosts more than 3,000 people who allegedly live there. Traders say the situation has created fear, frustration, and health concerns.
According to Ghana Web, market women who spoke to the Asuk?d? team for an upcoming documentary said they arrive each morning to find evidence of activities that occurred overnight. They described finding used condoms and other items on tables and around stalls. 'The situation has become unbearable due to the absence of proper security and an ineffective gate system, which allows unrestricted access into the market at all hours,' the traders said.
Assembly Member for the area, Abu Imoro, confirmed the issue to the Asuk?d? team and Adom News reporter Jagri Boaz Binyinjom. He warned that the market is gradually turning into a settlement camp instead of a business center.
Traders also complained that the filth and indiscipline are discouraging customers and affecting sales. The Asuk?d? team said it engaged traditional leaders, spiritual leaders, religious leaders, and the Municipal Chief Executive on the matter.
'Authorities are planning to evacuate the occupants from the market, although no timeline has been given for the exercise,' the MCE said. An Imam who spoke on the issue condemned the behavior, saying it goes against the teachings of the Quran.