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Banana traders at the Suame Market in Kumasi have expressed concern over a significant decline in sales, attributing the situation to allegations that farmers and traders use harmful chemicals to artificially ripen bananas before offering them for sale.
The traders said the claims had created fear among consumers, resulting in reduced patronage and causing financial hardship for many people whose livelihoods depend on the banana trade.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), some of the traders described the allegations as false, misleading and damaging to their businesses.
According to them, banana sales have dropped sharply over the past three to four months as many consumers have become reluctant to purchase the fruit due to concerns about its safety.
The traders stressed that they did not use harmful chemicals or carbide in the ripening process and urged the public to disregard what they described as unfounded reports circulating in some quarters.
They noted that the decline in patronage had led to substantial financial losses, with some traders struggling to recover their capital because of reduced demand.
One trader said many sellers were operating at a loss as consumers continued to avoid purchasing bananas based on unverified claims about the ripening process.
The traders questioned the basis of the allegations, arguing that it would be unreasonable for them to sell products they and their families also consumed.
They maintained that the bananas sold at the market were safe for consumption and appealed to the public to continue buying them without fear.
The traders also called on regulatory agencies and public health authorities to intensify public education on approved fruit-ripening methods to help dispel misconceptions that were negatively affecting the trade.
They expressed optimism that increased public awareness and stakeholder support would help restore consumer confidence in the banana market and safeguard the livelihoods of the many families engaged in the business.
The traders reiterated their commitment to supplying quality and safe fruits to consumers and urged the public not to allow unverified allegations to influence their purchasing decisions.
Source: GNA