Traders and shoppers at the Keta Central Market are calling for urgent intervention from the Keta Municipal Assembly, warning that deteriorating sanitation conditions at the facility could trigger a major public health crisis if immediate action is not taken.
Concerns have been mounting over overflowing refuse dumps, choked drains, inadequate waste disposal facilities and a shortage of functional toilet facilities, all of which traders say are creating unsafe and unhealthy conditions for business activities.
Market users fear that the situation could lead to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, typhoid and diarrhoea, particularly as the rainy season intensifies and increases the risk of contamination.
Former Assembly Member for the Keta Central Electoral Area, James Ocloo, described the conditions as alarming and blamed the situation on poor waste management, inadequate refuse bins and indiscriminate littering.
According to him, heaps of waste are often left unattended for long periods, creating foul odours and attracting flies and other disease-carrying insects that affect both traders and customers.
He also raised concerns about ageing and dilapidated storeroom structures within the market, some of which he said have existed for more than eight decades and now pose safety risks to users.
Businesswoman Seyram Babanawo said the lack of adequate sanitation facilities has created serious challenges for traders, forcing many to operate under conditions that compromise both their health and dignity.
She warned that improper waste disposal and inadequate toilet facilities could easily contaminate food items and water sources within the market environment, increasing the risk of disease transmission.
Babanawo further expressed concern about the market’s proximity to the Keta Lagoon, noting that waste and wastewater from the market could flow into the lagoon and negatively affect fishing activities and the livelihoods of surrounding communities.
Traders also lamented the economic impact of the poor sanitation situation, arguing that unpleasant odours and unsightly conditions discourage customers from visiting the market, leading to reduced sales and income.
Community members and youth groups have joined calls for a comprehensive renovation of the market, including improvements to sanitation infrastructure, drainage systems and storage facilities.
Market users are urging the Municipal Assembly to deploy additional refuse containers, increase waste collection schedules, desilt blocked drains and construct more toilet facilities with proper maintenance arrangements.
Environmental health advocates have also described the situation as a public health emergency, cautioning that delays in addressing the challenges could expose thousands of traders, shoppers and residents to preventable disease outbreaks.
A visit to the market revealed visible heaps of decomposing waste, clogged drains emitting foul smells, unsanitary trading conditions and an insufficient number of functioning sanitation facilities, reinforcing concerns raised by traders and residents.
The growing calls for action underscore increasing pressure on local authorities to restore sanitary conditions at one of the municipality’s busiest commercial centres before the situation worsens further.
