The Western Regional Co-ordinating Council (WRCC) has announced a ban on vegetable sales by vendors in response to a worsening cholera outbreak in the region, which is raising the cost of living for locals.
As of December 7, 2024, health authorities recorded 789 suspected cases and 8 deaths, however, daily reported cases now exceed 60, with Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan and Effia Kwesimintsim Municipal areas accounting for 95% of infections.
In a communique issued on December 10, the WRCC warned that violators of the ban would face prosecution under the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), is they fail to adhere to its call.
The council urged residents to adhere strictly to the directive to help curb the spread of the disease. “The ban will remain in place until public health officials confirm the safety of such practices”, the communique said
The WRCC strongly advised the public to avoid purchasing or consuming vegetables from food vendors for their safety.
Consequently, natives who depend on daily consumption and have not stocked up foods and vegetables are stranded and have no option than to travel to neighboring regions to purchase vegetable foods.
This has made residents bemoan the high cost of living, attributing it to transportation fares and the high cost of vegetable demands.
However, the directives that are indefinite also pressure locals to avoid eating vegetables, meanwhile, vegetables are good sources for healthy living. This has made citizens in the region more vulnerable to economic sanctions and health risks for vegetarians.
Meanwhile, the WRCC has advised citizens to wash vegetables thoroughly before consumption.
Nonetheless, Environmental Surveillance investigations reveal that 96% of infections are linked to food vendors, particularly by selling contaminated vegetables such as salads, leaves, and green peppers.
These findings have prompted immediate action to protect public health, the communique said.
