Adaklu waya: The Adaklu Waya Animal Market, originally established in December 2015 for the exclusive purpose of selling animals, has transformed into a thriving marketplace. The market operates every Thursday, catering to a growing number of traders and customers.
According to Ghana News Agency, Alhaji Abdulai Nuhu Bari, a leader at the market, explained that Thursday was strategically selected to assist those needing animals for funerals and other events. Over time, the market has expanded beyond animals to include food items, clothing, cosmetics, and agricultural inputs.
Alhaji Bari highlighted the variety of goods now available, such as stationery, provisions, footwear, cooking utensils, mats, and electrical gadgets. Traders from across the Volta region, as well as parts of the Eastern, Central, and Greater Accra regions, frequent the market. Additionally, vendors travel from Togo and Benin, indicating the market's growing reputation and reach.
However, the rapid expansion has led to challenges, including the need for more space as the number of traders has exceeded current capacity. Alhaji Bari emphasized the importance of addressing security and parking issues. He advised traders to use mobile money wallets instead of carrying large sums of cash and to close their stalls early.
A survey by the GNA revealed that cows sell for between 20,000 and 8,000 Ghana Cedis, sheep range from GHS2,000 to GHS1,500, and goats are priced between GHS1,200 and GHS800. An anonymous source from the Adaklu District Assembly disclosed that the market is a vital revenue source, generating between GHS5,000 and GHS6,000 every Thursday.