A cross-section of vegetable vendors in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis has expressed concerns about low wages in their business given the ban on the sale of vegetables by food vendors following the cholera outbreak.
Beach Newsroom’s visit to some vendors at the Jubilee and New Market revealed that the ban is having an adverse effect on their businesses given the directive.
A press release by the Western Regional Coordinating Council, WRCC noted that Environmental surveillance investigations reveal that 96 per cent of infections are linked to food vendors, particularly through the sale of contaminated vegetables.
According to them, the vegetable business is the sole source of their livelihood, and making losses at this time is not good for their survival.
Madam Mariam, a vegetable seller, said business had not been the same since the ban directive but pleaded with authorities to be swift about the matter, especially as festivities approach.
“Before the vegetable ban, business was thriving at the market. However, since the ban, sales have declined significantly. Customers aren’t buying anything.”
” I don’t think cabbage is the cause of the cholera outbreak. This disease has been around for a while, and I believe it’s spread due to neglect. I implore the Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC) to intervene, as the market’s downturn is affecting our livelihoods.
Christmas season sees increased sales, but this year it’s unusually slow. I’m hopeful the vaccination efforts will help resolve the issue. It’s also possible that galamsey (illegal mining) activities are contributing to the outbreak. Furthermore, I urge the authorities to address the poor waste management at our local dumpsite.
Madam Mary, also a vegetable vendor stated,” I don’t have any other means of support. The sale of these vegetables is my only source of income to care for my children. A single bag of vegetables costs around 600 cedis, but now, no one is buying”
