Observing social distancing in Bosomah and Goaso markets in Ahafo region

Asore Simon Azumah | Photo: Courtesy Simon

By: Asore Simon Azumah

The Bosomah market is the biggest in the Sunyani East Municipality. The market is observed once a week (Wednesdays) and attracts many traders from all three regions.

The President’s directive and the World Health Organization (WHO) safety and preventive protocols are completely ignored here on market days and social distancing is not an exception.

“The practice of social distancing will not help traders. We do not even have enough space to display all our goods, so the social distancing will mean some traders will be denied access to the market and that will be a disaster to us,’’ Maame Benewaa, a trader explains.

The use of a nose mask and washing of hands is not observed. Most traders, however, have hand sanitizers.

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                                                  Bosomah Market in Sunyani |Photo: Simon

Goaso Market-Ahafo Region

Goaso is the capital town of the Ahafo Region and well noted for its busiest business activities. A visit to the Goaso market revealed that hand-washing with soap, the use of hand sanitizers and nose masks are completely absent. Here traders are seen standing very close to one another.

When asked whether they have heard of COVID-19 Pandemic, both the market women and buyers answered in the affirmative. They were also able to outline some of the measures and the need to follow to prevent the spread of the pandemic, such as the use of hand sanitizers and practicing social distancing. They, however, said because of the nature of the business, they are unable to follow the measures.

“Space is not enough for us to observe social distancing. We only use the hand sanitizers and washing of hands when we go home,” Sarah Abena a trader stated.

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Business activities at the Goaso Market in the Ahafo Region |Photo: Simon