For years, traders at the Moro Market in Old Tafo in Kumasi in the Ashanti region have plied deplorable roads. Vehicles often get stuck, and traders face constant challenges. But now, there is hope.
The Old Tafo Municipal Assembly has launched the construction of a 2-kilometre stretch of road, covering key areas such as Moro Market, Assemblies of God Church Road, Ahenbronum, Boanqene Electoral Area, and Benkumhene Road.
The aim is to improve access, making life easier for residents and traders who rely on these roads daily.
The new road is expected to improve transportation, reduce travel stress, and make it easier for people to access important business areas, especially the Moro Market, where food items like yams are sold.
For many traders, the poor road conditions have been a major obstacle to their livelihoods.
“During the rainy season, cars cannot pass. In the dry season, the dust is too much,” said Sarah Gyebi, a trader at the market. “The dust affects our health, and the mud makes it hard for customers to come.”
Another trader, Obaa Yaa, added: “This road has made business very difficult for us. Sometimes, vehicles get stuck for hours. We suffer both in the rain and in the sun.”
At the sod-cutting ceremony for the road project, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Old Tafo, Abubakar Sadiq, explained that the project is part of broader efforts to improve infrastructure and support economic activity in the area.
“The project will improve movement and also reduce the dust that has affected traders for years,” the MCE said. “Good roads will create a healthier environment and make trading easier.” He also assured residents that the project would be completed within six months.
For many, the announcement of the project has been met with relief and optimism. Traders are hopeful that the improvements will make their working conditions much better.
“The road has been worrying us for a long time,” Sarah Gyebi said. “We are happy the work has started. We only hope it will be completed on time.”
The MCE also reiterated that the government remains committed to improving living conditions in Old Tafo, with more development projects planned for the area to support residents and local businesses.
The 2-kilometre road project is expected to transform transportation in the municipality, improve access to markets, and provide lasting relief to traders and residents who depend on the road for their daily lives.