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Traders Instructed to Take Accountability in Retaining Kejetia Market Hygiene

Introduction

In the bustling heart of Kumasi, Ghana, the Kejetia Market stands as a monumental trade hub, serving as a vital economic engine for the Ashanti Region and West Africa at large. However, the sheer volume of daily commerce brings significant challenges regarding sanitation and public health. Recently, a critical dialogue regarding market hygiene took center stage during a comprehensive fumigation exercise. This initiative highlighted a pivotal shift in responsibility: moving from reactive cleaning to proactive accountability. The Kumasi City Market Sanitation Officer, Ernest Gyambrah, has issued a stern yet necessary directive to traders, emphasizing that the cleanliness of Kejetia is a shared responsibility. This article delves into the details of this initiative, exploring the necessity of sanitation protocols, the threats posed by poor hygiene, and the collaborative efforts required to maintain Kejetia as a model trading center.

Key Points

Background

The Kejetia Market, often described as the largest open-air market in West Africa, is a sprawling complex that hosts thousands of vendors and attracts millions of shoppers annually. Its economic significance to Kumasi and Ghana is immeasurable, serving as a central node for the exchange of goods ranging from foodstuffs to textiles and electronics. However, high-density trading environments are inherently prone to sanitation challenges. The accumulation of waste, the presence of food debris, and the movement of goods create favorable conditions for pests and disease vectors.

Historically, maintaining hygiene in such a vast space has been a struggle. While management has made efforts to keep the area clean, the responsibility often falls into a gray area between municipal sanitation services and individual trader accountability. The recent fumigation exercise marks a renewed commitment to bridging this gap. It serves as a reminder that while infrastructure provides the space for trade, the sustainability of that space depends heavily on the behavior of those who occupy it daily. The involvement of external partners like BonAgro underscores the recognition that market hygiene is a community-wide issue that requires multi-stakeholder engagement.

Analysis

The directive from Ernest Gyambrah, Sanitation Officer of the Kumasi City Market, represents a crucial pedagogical moment for the trading community. By stating, “The market is the face of the city, and we all have a responsibility to keep it clean,” he frames hygiene not merely as a sanitary requirement but as an element of civic pride and urban identity. This analysis breaks down the core components of the current sanitation drive.

The Concept of Shared Accountability

Traditionally, the burden of cleaning public markets has been placed largely on municipal workers or private waste management contractors. However, this approach is often insufficient in high-traffic areas like Kejetia. The concept of “shared accountability” shifts the paradigm. It suggests that traders, who benefit directly from the market’s infrastructure, must actively participate in its upkeep. This includes proper waste disposal, ensuring their immediate surroundings are free of debris, and closing their stalls in an orderly manner at the end of the day. When traders internalize this responsibility, the collective impact on the overall market environment is profound.

Public Health and Disease Prevention

From a public health perspective, the fumigation exercise is a critical intervention. Overcrowded markets are potential hotspots for the transmission of vector-borne diseases such as malaria (via mosquitoes) and food-borne illnesses (via rodents and flies). Mr. Gyambrah’s warning about the spread of diseases is grounded in epidemiological reality. Stagnant water, discarded food, and uncollected waste create breeding grounds for pathogens. By fumigating, the market management aims to eliminate these vectors at their source. Furthermore, the emphasis on hygiene is a preventive measure. In the wake of global health concerns, maintaining high standards of cleanliness in public spaces is no longer optional; it is a prerequisite for public safety.

Risk Mitigation: Fire Safety and Structural Integrity

Beyond biological hazards, physical risks such as fire outbreaks are a significant concern in markets characterized by tight spacing and flammable materials. The directive to avoid actions that could spark fires is a vital component of the safety protocol. Poor housekeeping—such as leaving electrical connections exposed or blocking walkways with goods—exacerbates fire risks. Accountability in this context extends to how traders manage their stalls to ensure they do not endanger the entire structure. A clean market is a safer market; clutter is often the first fuel for a potential fire.

Practical Advice

To translate these directives into tangible results, traders and management must adopt actionable strategies. Below are practical steps to ensure the sustainability of the hygiene initiatives at Kejetia Market.

For Traders: Daily Hygiene Protocols

• Implement the “Clean As You Go” Policy: Do not wait for the end of the day to clean. Immediately dispose of packaging materials and food waste into designated bins.
• Proper Waste Segregation: Separate organic waste from non-biodegradable materials. This aids waste management teams in processing refuse more efficiently.
• Secure Electrical Installations: Ensure all temporary electrical connections are insulated and not overloaded, reducing the risk of electrical fires.
• Prevent Pest Access: Store goods, particularly food items, in sealed containers to prevent contamination by rodents and insects.
• Collaborate with Sanitation Officers: View sanitation officers as partners rather than enforcers. Report areas that require immediate attention.

For Management: Institutional Support

• Scheduled Fumigation: Move from ad-hoc fumigation to a regular, predictable schedule (e.g., monthly or quarterly) so traders can prepare accordingly.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: Ensure adequate drainage systems to prevent water stagnation and install sufficient waste bins to discourage littering.
• Education and Sensitization: Conduct regular workshops on hygiene and fire safety for all traders.
• Enforcement Mechanisms: While education is key, clear penalties for consistent violations of sanitation rules should be established and fairly enforced.

FAQ

Conclusion

The call for traders to take accountability in retaining Kejetia Market’s hygiene is a vital step toward sustainable urban commerce. As emphasized by Sanitation Officer Ernest Gyambrah, cleanliness is a shared responsibility that directly impacts the health of the city and the economic success of the vendors. The collaboration between market management and partners like BonAgro highlights the importance of collective action in tackling public health challenges. By adopting practical hygiene protocols, adhering to safety standards, and embracing a culture of accountability, traders can ensure that Kejetia remains not only a bustling economic hub but also a safe and sanitary environment for all. The future of Kejetia depends on the daily choices of those who keep it running.