Indigenous women who trade charcoal in Dormaa Central Municipality of the Bono Region have formally requested government support to acquire tricycles that would help them move firewood from the forest to the Dormaa‑Ahenkro new market. The traders said the vehicles would ease the physical strain of transporting firewood, cut down on the high transportation costs they currently incur, and improve overall business efficiency.
In addition to the tricycles, the sellers are calling for a dedicated storage facility to safeguard their bags of charcoal. They cited frequent thefts at the new market site as a major threat to their livelihoods. The traders were relocated to the new market to make way for a 24‑hour market project, a move that has left them with limited space and only a few market sheds.
“When it rains, we are always left at the mercy of the weather,” said Madam Alimata Fuseina, one of the sellers. She also warned that their selling area is close to a public toilet, adding to the challenges they face. Melinda Adoko noted a decline in demand for charcoal in the area, which is further slowing business growth.
The traders expressed concern about the increasing cases of charcoal theft at the new site and highlighted the inadequate shelter and space allocated to them. They hope the government will address these issues to support their businesses and improve their living conditions.
