Adentan Market Traders appeal for gov’t support to restore fair pricing, improve infrastructure

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The Adentan Market Tenants Association has called on government and key stakeholders to intervene urgently to restore fair pricing and improve the overall business environment in the municipality’s main market.

For years, traders say they have struggled due to the absence of a dedicated lorry station, a facility they believe would transform the way goods are supplied to the market.

The lack of this infrastructure, they argue, makes it nearly impossible for farmers and rural suppliers to bring produce directly to Adentan. As a result, traders often travel to major markets such as Madina and Agbogbloshie to restock—an exhausting and costly routine that affects both sellers and consumers.

“Customers complain that our prices are high, but it is because we have to buy from town at higher costs. If suppliers could reach us directly, we could sell at lower prices,” the association said.

Traders highlighted that limited access routes, poor loading and offloading spaces, and inadequate market planning make Adentan an unattractive stop for bulk suppliers. This causes intermittent shortages of key produce and drives up transportation expenses, which often trickle down into final selling prices.

Despite these obstacles, traders remain committed to offering fresh, high-quality products daily. However, the added cost of travelling long distances, coupled with heavy traffic, inflates operational expenses and creates the wrong public perception that Adentan market vendors intentionally overprice goods.

The association contrasted their situation with that of Madina market, where a well-structured lorry station, spacious trading environment, and direct supplier access give traders a competitive advantage. Madina traders are able to buy in bulk, negotiate better rates, and ultimately offer lower prices.

In addition to infrastructure challenges, the association appealed to SSNIT to review and reduce rental charges for market stalls, which they say are too high for small-scale traders with limited capital.

The association emphasised that Adentan Market serves thousands of residents daily and plays a pivotal role in the local economy. Addressing these challenges, they say, would not only improve trading conditions but also enhance food accessibility and affordability for the wider community.

They are therefore urging government, municipal authorities, and SSNIT to act promptly to address these pressing issues.