Penkye Market, one of the busiest trading hubs in Winneba, has become the center of a growing sanitation crisis. Every day, the market is one of the smallest and vibrant due to it availability with fresh fish hence, attracts hundreds of traders and shoppers from across the municipality, but behind the vibrant commerce lies a worrying problem poor sanitation and waste management.
A recent visit to the market by UEW Journalism and Media Studies, level 300 student Precious Nyako revealed a disturbing scene, refuse heaps left unattended in open spaces, plastic waste scattered across the grounds, and drains choked with filth. Fresh produce such as vegetables, fish, and meat are often sold just a few meters away from waste dumps, exposing both traders and consumers to possible health hazards.
Some traders express their disappointments saying despite their consistent advocacy on this sanitation crisis, some residents still defecate and pour waste substances into the streams which attracts bad smell and also diseases like malaria, typhoid etc.“We try to keep our stalls clean, but when the containers are full for days, where do we put the rubbish?” Madam Akua.
Another major challenge is the inadequate number of public toilets and handwashing stations within the market. Many shoppers and traders are forced to resort to unsanitary alternatives, worsening the already fragile sanitation situation. During the rainy season, poor drainage causes filth to wash onto streets and into nearby homes, leaving behind foul smells and stagnant water.”I think we have to resort to stricter enforcement of sanitation by Laws to discourage littering and open defecation” Emmanuel Nkatia, Youth Committee Member of Penkye.
MP for Effutu Municipality, Honourable Alexander Kwamina Afenyo – Markin ,warn that poor environmental conditions poses risks to cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid. Beyond health, the unsightly environment discourages some buyers, leading to lower sales and affecting the livelihoods of traders. Environmentalists have also expressed concern about the long-term impact of unchecked waste, especially plastics, which often end up in Winneba’s coastal waters and threaten marine life.
The Effutu Municipal Assembly has over the years organized cleanup exercises and public education campaigns, but sustaining these efforts remains a challenge. Experts and community leaders believe a more coordinated approach is needed.
Penkye Market is more than just a trading center it is the heartbeat of Winneba’s local economy. Keeping it clean is not just the responsibility of authorities, but also of traders, shoppers, and residents who depend on it daily. As Winneba continues to grow, the sanitation challenges at Penkye Market must be addressed urgently. Only through collective action can the market be transformed into a clean, safe, and welcoming place for all.
Authorities must commit to regular waste management and better facilities, while traders and shoppers must embrace responsibility for their surroundings. Together, the community can transform Penkye Market from a place plagued by filth into a model of cleanliness and pride for Winneba.
