Traders at Tema Community 1 Market have expressed concern about the number of mentally challenged people roaming the streets and market, causing fear and panic.
According to some traders, those mentally challenged people attacked minors, customers, traders, and passersby on several occasions.
Most people, especially schoolchildren, were forced to avoid the pavement where some of the mentally ill had set up camp in order to avoid being attacked, and instead used the streets to compete with vehicles, they said.
Madam Joyce Dambila, a trader, described how mentally ill people had entered her shop three times to pick up items for sale.
“I was traumatized, but I remained calm and let them choose whatever they wanted to avoid being harmed,” she explained.
Mrs. Mary Sumaila, a food vendor, stated that mentally challenged people posed a significant risk to business operations.
“Sometimes, while you’re serving customers, they’ll appear and demand that you serve them some of the items,” she explained.
“Normally, customers would abandon their purchases when they saw the lunatics near your shop or food joint.” “Those who have yet to pay for the items collected simply forget to pay and retreat in fear of being attacked.”
“Frequently, mentally challenged men walk around naked and harass women.” “Some, on seeing a lady, would run after her.”
Mr. Frank Pupulampu, a mobile phone dealer, said the Tema Metropolitan Assembly was aware of the threat but appeared unable to address it.
“We have asked the TMA to assist us in getting these people to a psychiatric hospital for better care and treatment, but we have received no response.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Frank Asante, TMA Public Relations Officer, stated that the Assembly had a department that investigated such cases and that the Social Welfare Department was aware of the situation and was gathering resources to get them out of the markets and streets.
He urged families to get involved in getting treatment for the mentally challenged, as they were frequently left alone by their immediate families.