Martin Cobbinah
Market women in Juaboso, a major commercial hub in the Western North Region, have expressed deep concerns over the drastic drop in sales and increasing hardship in recent months. The women say business has slowed significantly, leaving them with unsold goods and growing frustration.
According to the traders, the low patronage is largely due to the current economic situation, which has reduced the purchasing power of residents. Many customers who used to buy in bulk now complain of high prices and opt for fewer items or avoid the market entirely.
“We come here as early as 5 a.m. hoping for good sales, but we end up sitting the whole day with very little income,” lamented Madam Akosua Serwaa, a tomato seller. “Sometimes we even run at a loss because our goods are perishable and spoil easily.”
The market women also revealed that despite the low sales, they continue to pay daily market tolls and high transportation costs. These added financial burdens, they said, are making it increasingly difficult to sustain their businesses and support their families.
“We plead with the government and authorities to find ways of easing the economic pressure,” said Maame Adwoa, a trader in smoked fish. “If things don’t change, many of us will be forced out of business.”
The situation in Juaboso mirrors the broader economic challenges facing small-scale traders across the country, who remain a vital part of Ghana’s informal economy. Many of these women now look to the upcoming mid-year budget review for signs of relief and practical solutions.
