Over 80 traders from the Kumasi Central and Kejetia Markets have received vital training on environmental hygiene, fire safety, and personal security during a one-day orientation organized by the United Traders Forum (UTF) with support from Star Ghana Foundation.
The training, held on May 21, 2025, in Kumasi, aimed at equipping traders with practical knowledge to maintain clean, safe, and secure market spaces to enhance their businesses and protect lives and property.
Opening the session, Environmental Health Officer Cyril Awudzi from the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) emphasized that the success of traders is closely linked to the cleanliness of their environment.
“A tidy market is a healthy market. It reduces the spread of disease and makes the space more appealing to customers. Traders must see cleanliness as a key part of their business strategy,” he said.
On matters of security, Chief Inspector Osei Tutu, who heads the Kejetia Market Police Station, advised traders to be vigilant and mindful of individuals who loiter around pretending to be customers.
“Security is everyone’s business. Watch your surroundings, and don’t hesitate to report suspicious people. Most criminals operate unnoticed until it’s too late,” he noted.
He also urged traders, particularly women, to refrain from public quarrels that could escalate into disturbances, advising them to resolve disputes through proper channels.
UTF Chairman Elder Joseph Agyin used the occasion to thank Star Ghana Foundation for their financial support and encouraged traders to treat the orientation as a turning point in how they approach their work environment.
“This is about changing mindsets and habits. A cleaner and safer market means better business for everyone. Let’s work together to uphold what we’ve learned today,” he remarked.
UTF Secretary Mr. Appiah-Kubi Yeboah echoed the chairman’s call, stating that the education provided is only useful if it is put into practice.
“We want every trader here to not only apply what they’ve learned but also pass it on to others who couldn’t attend. That’s how we build a stronger, safer market community,” he said.
The orientation marks a significant step in UTF’s advocacy for improved market conditions, and plans are underway to replicate the programme in other trading zones within the Kumasi Metropolis. Participants expressed appreciation for the initiative and pledged to implement the practices shared during the training.
By Thomas Awuah Asem
