Ghana’s markets, lorry stations, and drainage systems are increasingly plagued by fires, pollution, and flooding, largely driven by weak local governance and poor leadership. Despite the clear dangers, authorities have failed to address the root causes, leaving the public vulnerable to recurring disasters.
A glaring example of this failure is seen in the disparity between structured and unstructured markets. The Adenta market, a well-organized facility where food is kept clean and off the ground, is often overlooked by traders and consumers in favor of chaotic and unsanitary locations like the Madina market. Here, food is strewn on the ground amid stenches, and vendors opt for these markets due to perceived discounts rather than safety and hygiene.
The issue is exacerbated by political negligence. Politicians often rush to disaster sites after fires break out, making donations and pledges while subtly using the opportunity to campaign. Yet, they rarely convene stakeholders to devise sustainable solutions. Instead of prioritizing prevention and safety, political leaders focus on damage control when crises arise.
The most shocking element of this crisis is the absence of basic amenities like public toilets in many markets and lorry stations, forcing market women to resort to defecating in containers and disposing of waste in gutters, especially during the rainy season. This lack of sanitation infrastructure perpetuates health hazards and environmental degradation, while local assemblies, crippled by weak governance, fail to enforce regulations or address the problem.
Much of the blame also lies with the recruitment of unqualified personnel into local assemblies, resulting in inefficiency and mismanagement. Political appointments, often driven by loyalty rather than competence, have left local governance paralyzed and incapable of addressing persistent problems.
Compounding the issue is the public’s complacency, as citizens fail to hold their leaders accountable. Instead of demanding responsible governance, many Ghanaians remain indifferent to the misuse of taxpayer funds while leaders live in comfort.
To combat these challenges, there is an urgent need to strengthen local governance structures, enforce sanitation and safety laws, and educate the public on hygiene, security, and economic practices. Moreover, politicians must cease exploiting disasters for political gain and focus on long-term solutions.
A notable example of lost opportunity occurred in 2013 when the then Minister, James Agalga commissioned an investigation into market fires. The findings were submitted to the government but remained concealed rather than being used to inform policy-making. Such reports should be made public to guide decision-making and enhance accountability.
It is time for Ghanaians to demand better leadership and stronger local governance to ensure the safety and well-being of all. By holding leaders accountable and insisting on competent management at every level, the country can mitigate the recurring crises that have plagued its markets and public spaces.
source:www.nsemgh.com
