Tilapia sellers and fish mongers at Ablekuma-Joma have raised concerns over persistent power outages and poor road conditions, warning that the situation is severely affecting their businesses.

According to the traders, the challenges are causing frequent spoilage of perishable fish, leading to significant financial losses and threatening their livelihoods.

Speaking to the media, the area’s Sea Chief, Samuel Glova Joma Faakye, said the poor road network is discouraging traders from other regions from travelling to purchase tilapia.

He explained that the deplorable roads make transportation difficult and often delay access to vehicles needed to convey fish to various markets.

A trader, Gifty Teye Kudjoe, highlighted additional concerns, including the lack of access to potable water. She noted that some traders are compelled to use the same water for fishing and bathing, exposing them to potential waterborne diseases and skin infections.

She further lamented that ongoing power outages make it difficult to preserve fish, resulting in rapid spoilage and loss of income.

Another trader, Nawomi Amankwah, appealed to government to provide shelter along the riverside, explaining that prolonged exposure to the sun poses health risks.

She also pointed out that the poor road conditions force traders to rely on tricycles and motorcycles for transportation, which is both inefficient and costly.

The traders are therefore calling on authorities to urgently address the infrastructure challenges to protect their businesses and improve working conditions in the area.