By: Kenneth Appiah Bani.
Yam wholesalers in Sunyani have reportedly endured harsh and degrading treatment at the hands of Akosua Asor Sika Dua Brayie II, the Queen Mother of Sunyani.
The alleged maltreatment stems from accusations by the Queen Mother that the yam sellers were gossiping about her within the market. However, the wholesalers have expressed frustration over her consistent and unreasonable demands, which they claim negatively impact their business operations.
According to the yam sellers, for every 100 bags of yams they offload in the market, the Queen Mother forcibly demands two tubers. This compulsory levy, they say, has significantly affected their profits.
The situation escalated when the Queen Mother learned that the yam sellers had discussed her demands during one of their meetings. Enraged by their complaints, she summoned them to the palace. Without giving them an opportunity to explain or defend themselves, she reportedly commanded them to lie face down on the floor.
As a further punitive measure, the Queen Mother banned the yam wholesalers from selling their yams within Sunyani.
These yam sellers, many of whom are respected wives and mothers, now offload their produce at Abesim and later transport the yams to the Sunyani market for retail. This additional transportation cost has driven up yam prices in the market, adding to the burden on both sellers and consumers.
The actions of the Queen Mother have sparked widespread concern, with many questioning the fairness and humanity of her treatment of the yam wholesalers.
Credits:adjei boakye pius.
