Bawku’s once-bustling market is showing fresh signs of economic recovery as improved peace in the municipality and the lifting of restrictions on motorbike use bring traders and buyers back in large numbers.
The renewed activity was evident on Monday, September 7, which marked the area’s market day, when the Bawku township recorded a significant increase in the movement of traders, buyers and visitors.
An observation by the Kumasi Mail found the market heavily crowded, with commercial activities gradually returning to levels traders say they had missed during years of conflict.
The lifting of the motorbike ban has been particularly welcomed by residents and traders, who say the move has made movement within the municipality easier and contributed to increased patronage of the market.
One visitor to the market, Azuri Abraham, expressed gratitude to the government for lifting the restriction, saying the decision had helped restore the vibrancy of commercial activities in Bawku.
For some market women, the growing number of customers is evidence that normal life is gradually returning to the municipality.
They also commended President John Dramani Mahama for what they described as efforts to restore peace to the area, saying trading conditions are now significantly better than in previous years.
However, beneath the renewed activity lies another challenge: low prices for agricultural produce.
The market women said although increased trading was encouraging, the prices of goods, particularly farm produce, remain low, a situation they believe is hurting farmers and reducing their earnings.
They are therefore calling on the government to introduce measures to support farmers and help improve the value of agricultural produce in the area.
The revival of Bawku’s market thus presents a mixed picture — while improved security and the lifting of the motorbike restrictions are helping restore commercial activity, traders say sustained economic recovery will also depend on ensuring that farmers receive better returns for their produce.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
