Traders at the Sunyani Daily Market, popularly known as Masom Masom, are calling for immediate intervention to address the deteriorating condition of access roads within the market, which they say has crippled commercial activity, especially during the rainy season.
The market, one of the busiest trading hubs in the Bono Regional capital, has been left in a muddy and deplorable state, forcing many traders to relocate their stalls to the roadside in an effort to attract customers.
Mrs. Abigail Kyei, leader of the fruit sellers, told journalists that both the Sunyani Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr. Vincent Antwi Agyei, and the Member of Parliament (MP) for Sunyani East, Mr. Seidu Mubarak, had earlier visited the market and promised to reshape the roads, but the promise has yet to materialize.
“The MCE and the MP came here about four to six months ago and assured us the access roads would be fixed, but nothing has been done,” she lamented. “We are reminding them to honour that promise because business is suffering.”
For many traders, the situation has become unbearable. Mrs. Martha Twumwaa, an orange seller, explained that the heavy rains have made the unpaved market roads muddy and slippery, discouraging buyers from entering the market.
“When it rains, the entire place turns into a swamp. People can’t walk in, and goods get soaked and dirty. It’s affecting our sales badly,” she said.
Mrs. Patricia Ofosu, who sells cassava, expressed similar frustration, saying most traders have now moved to the edge of the market’s main street to reach customers. “If this continues, the road will be overcrowded with traders, and vehicles won’t be able to pass,” she warned.
In response to the growing discontent, MCE Vincent Antwi Agyei has assured the traders that reshaping works will begin soon. Speaking to the media in Sunyani, he urged them to exercise patience, noting that preparations were in advanced stages.
“I understand their frustration, but they should remain calm,” he said. “Plans are far advanced, and very soon they will see the contractors on site to start work on the market roads.”
The Sunyani Daily Market plays a critical role in the local economy, serving as a major trading point for fresh produce, household items, and other goods from surrounding communities. Traders and residents alike are hopeful that the MCE’s assurance will translate into prompt action, as continued delays threaten livelihoods and market accessibility.
