By Kingsley Mamore, GNA
Dambai (O/R), April 27, GNA – Yam farmers at Lanja in the Nanumba North Municipality have appealed to the Government, through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), to provide storage facilities and improve infrastructure at the area’s yam market.
The provision of the facilities would reduce post-harvest losses.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr Munkpebe Lipa, a farmer and resident of Lanja, expressed concern over the absence of storage facilities, he said had resulted in large quantities of yam going rotten before sale, causing significant financial losses.
He stated that the lack of proper storage systems continues to affect the quality of their produce and reduces their ability to maximise profits from their harvests.
Mma Fusei, a woman yam farmer and trader, also lamented the absence of basic amenities at the market, including toilet facilities, urinals and office space for market operations, despite the market generating Internally Generated Funds (IGF) for the Municipal Assembly.
She further appealed to the Government to support the market with modern infrastructure, including yam warehouses, sheds to provide shelter from the sun and rain, and the gravelling of the market grounds to prevent flooding during the rainy season.
Naa Bukali Nantogma, the Chief of Lanja, appealed to the Government to give the market a facelift.
He noted that the Lanja Yam Market had the potential to become one of the largest yam trading centres in the region if provided with the necessary infrastructure and support.
Naa Nantogma further stressed the need for improved security presence on market days to ensure peaceful and safe business transactions.
The farmers expressed optimism that government intervention would not only improve market conditions but also boost agricultural trade and livelihoods in the area.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah