Market women and residents of Kona, a farming community in the Sekyere South District are making a heartfelt appeal to the government and relevant authorities to urgently come to their aid, as the town’s main market has remained in a deplorable state for nearly three decades.
According to the traders, the Kona market, which once served as a vibrant trading hub for surrounding communities, has been without a proper structure since 1996 when the old market building collapsed. Since then, traders have been forced to operate in the open, exposed to scorching sunshine and heavy rains.
For 29 years, the situation has remained unchanged, leaving market women in constant distress and despair. Many say their businesses have suffered significant losses as customers are often discouraged by the lack of a conducive trading environment.
“This is very disgraceful. We have been trading in the open for all these years. Rain or shine, we sit here and sell because we have no choice. Sometimes our goods get soaked or destroyed, and we go home with nothing,” lamented Maame Serwaa, the Market Queen Mother, in an emotional appeal.
She added that the continuous neglect of the Kona market has not only affected economic activity but also undermined the dignity of the community. “Kona is one of the oldest towns in the district, yet our market looks like a dumping ground. It is shameful to show anyone that this is our market,” she said.
Other traders who spoke to the media also expressed frustration, noting that the absence of stalls and sheds makes trading difficult, especially during the rainy season. They explained that apart from the financial struggles, the open-air market poses serious health risks due to poor sanitation and exposure to dust.
Residents further raised concerns about other neglected facilities in the community, including broken-down public toilets and deteriorating school buildings. They fear that without immediate government intervention, the conditions could worsen and lead to health crises.
“We are appealing to our District Chief Executive, our Member of Parliament, and the Ministry of Local Government to visit Kona and see things for themselves. We deserve a modern market like other communities. We have been patient for too long,” one resident added.
The Kona market serves hundreds of traders from surrounding areas, including Agona, Nsuta, and Bepoase, and remains an essential economic center for local farmers who depend on it to sell their produce. However, due to the current deplorable conditions, many traders have relocated to nearby markets, further crippling Kona’s local economy.
Community leaders are therefore calling for urgent action from the Sekyere South District Assembly, the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, and development partners to prioritize the construction of a new, well-structured market facility to restore Kona’s economic vitality.
The residents believe that providing a proper market infrastructure will not only boost local trade and improve sanitation but also create jobs and foster community development.
For more information, contact:
Maame Serwaa (Kona Market Queen Mother) — 0242732665
