Trading in the dust and mud: The story of Katinga Market traders

For the past several years, traders at the Katinga Market in the Tolon District in the Northern Region have been operating under harsh conditions.

The market, which is made up of makeshift structures, is in a deplorable state, with dust, mud and a poor road network.

The market is constructed with wooden poles and thatched roofs made from dried grass, often exposing traders and the goods to the vagaries of the weather and insanitary conditions.

During the dry season, dust settles on food items and other goods, reducing their quality and market value.

In the rainy season, parts of the market get flooded and muddy, disrupting trading activities.

Without proper flooring, drainage systems or permanent structures, traders are forced to improvise daily to protect their goods and attract customers, even though the market serves as the major trading hub of the district and surrounding communities. 

Concerns

In an interview with the Daily Graphic, a trader, Ishan Mohammed, said food items, clothing and other goods often become dirty, leading to reduced sales and profits.

Some traders display their  items under the makeshift structure for sale

“We are struggling to do business here because there are no proper structures. Most of us spread our goods on the ground, and by the end of the day, they are covered with dust and dirt,” she lamented.

Rains

Another trader, Hajia Awabu Iddrisu, said business comes to a standstill whenever it rains, adding that they had been paying taxes to the assembly but nothing had been done about the situation.

She said improving the market infrastructure would boost business activities, increase revenue generation for the assembly and improve livelihoods in the district.

Revenue Mobilisation

The Chairman of the Market Leadership, Mumuni Abdulai, said the Katinga Market plays a key role in revenue mobilisation for the district assembly.

A revenue officer of the Tolon District Assembly taking a toll from trycicle operators  at the entrance of the market

He explained that vehicles and tricycles entering the market pay tokens to the assembly as part of revenue collection efforts.

He appealed to the district assembly to prioritise the redevelopment of the market to improve trading conditions and create a more conducive environment for business.

Meanwhile, efforts by the Daily Graphic to reach the Tolon District Chief Executive proved unsuccessful as repeated calls went unanswered.