Some vegetable sellers in the Central Business District of Takoradi have expressed worry over the ban on vegetable sales within the Sekondi–Takoradi Metropolis due to the cholera outbreak in the Western Region.

In the quest to control the increase in the number of cholera cases and deaths being recorded in the Region, the Western Regional Co-ordinating Council issued a ban on the sale of vegetables by food vendors on December 10.

This was after the Environmental Surveillance investigations revealed that about 96 per cent of cholera infections were linked to food vendors, particularly through the sale of contaminated vegetables.

However, some vegetable sellers in the Takoradi central market expressed worry over the ban to Ghana News Agency (GNA), saying it has slowed their business and affected sales.

Madam Grace Ababio, a cabbage seller, said she had put her business on hold as instructed by authorities in the region, saying, “Selling vegetables is my only means of survival, however, the lives and safety of individuals matter most, and so I have no choice than to adhere to the directive coming from the authorities.”

Madam Fati Abubakar, another vegetable seller, called on authorities to expedite measures and manage the disease as their business could not be halted for a longer period, especially as the festive season approached.

“Vegetables play a vital role during festive seasons, especially in food preparation, so we are calling on the authorities to reconsider their decisions and put measures in place for proper handling of this type of food item to help stem the spread of cholera in the region,” she added.

The region has so far recorded more than 910 cholera cases, with more than 10 deaths.

In response to the ban, the WRCC issued a communiqué on December 10, warning the marketers against violating the ban, and facing prosecution under the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851). The council urged residents to adhere strictly to the directive to help curb the spread of the disease.