Techiman Traders Cry for Help Over Rotting Yams, Fading Livelihoods

Yam sellers at Techiman’s busy market in the Bono East Region are calling on the government to intervene as worsening cash shortages and declining sales threaten to destroy their businesses.

Many of the traders, largely women who rely on yam trading for their survival, shared their struggles during a meeting with the Minority Caucus, led by Chief Whip and Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP, Frank Annoh-Dompreh.

They pointed to falling purchasing power, difficulty accessing cash, and rising costs of doing business as the main reasons trade has slowed dramatically in one of Ghana’s biggest food hubs.

Some traders became emotional as they described their situation. One woman explained that after investing millions of cedis into her yam business, she has been left devastated as unsold stock continues to rot, putting immense pressure on her family.

According to the traders, the crisis extends beyond Techiman, reflecting a wider downturn across markets nationwide. They blamed expensive transportation, reduced customer demand, and limited access to capital for the ongoing struggles. Many fear that without swift intervention, countless traders will be driven out of business.

Their concerns align with what the Minority Caucus observed during a three-day tour of the Bono East Region, which included Atebubu-Amantin, Pru West, Kintampo North and South, Nkoranza North and South, as well as Techiman North and South.

Farmers across these areas—growing maize, rice, yam, cashew, and other crops—reported falling prices, lack of reliable buyers, and delayed payments.

In Atebubu-Amantin, farmers said produce was going to waste despite claims that funds had been allocated to the Buffer Stock Company. Similar complaints were raised in Kintampo and Nkoranza, where farmers cited high production costs and weak demand.

By the time the delegation arrived at Techiman Market, a key distribution center supplying food to southern Ghana, the depth of the crisis was clear, affecting everyone from farmers to traders along the supply chain.

In response, Mr. Annoh-Dompreh assured the traders that their concerns would be taken to Parliament, with the Minority Caucus pushing for practical steps to revive market activity.

He stressed the urgency of government action to improve cash flow, stimulate demand, and support both farmers and traders, who play a vital role in feeding the nation.

The Bono East visit forms part of a broader nationwide effort by the Minority Caucus to highlight the challenges facing farmers and traders and to advocate for policies that will stabilise Ghana’s agricultural sector.