In a special feature, Adjen Kotoku’s onion traders urgently appeal to government to fix the road leading to the new onion market, which is severely impacting their businesses.
Since relocating from Agbogbloshie three years ago, these traders have faced immense difficulties in sustaining their livelihoods.
The move has been fraught with challenges – deteriorating road conditions, low customer turnout, and inadequate infrastructure. These setbacks have forced some traders to return to Agbogbloshie.
The press delves into their struggles and how they are navigating this new reality.
The market is buzzing with activity as trucks unload sacks of onions for distribution. Amid this hustle, stories of frustration and resilience are everywhere.
Alhaji Masa Wudu, Chairman of the Onion Sellers Association at Adjen Kotoku, says that while the new location holds potential, three key challenges – poor road conditions, inadequate infrastructure, and low customer turnout – are stifling progress.
He expresses frustration over being the only group to fully relocate, questioning why tomato and yam sellers, also expected to move, have not done so.
Regular buyers like Forgive, Diana, and Mercy, three onion sellers from Dodowa and Ada, echo these concerns.
They point to a lack of basic amenities, such as tents and chairs, and note the significant rise in onion prices due to poor roads. Transport delays often lead to spoiled onions, further adding to their losses.
Traders are barely breaking even amid inflation, cedi depreciation, and rising food prices. Rotten onions, a common sight, only heighten their frustration.
These issues raise critical questions: Was the road network considered when planning the relocation? Has there been any follow-up since the move in July 2021?
The relocation from Agbogbloshie to Adjen Kotoku was meant to bring a fresh start for the onion traders, but in reality has fallen short of the promise.
With bad roads, shrinking customer numbers, and logistical challenges, the spectre of food inflation looms large. What does the future hold for Adjen Kotoku and its traders? Only time will tell if this “promised land” will deliver on its promise.
