At the Wenchi Roundabout, an ordinary roadside transforms into a vibrant mini market during the mushroom season, drawing crowds of patrons into a lively hub of activity.
The sellers sit by the roadside, mainly at the roundabout, with large bowls of fresh mushrooms.
Interestingly, the roundabout has become known for mushrooms, especially during the season, as many people visit the place to buy.
These mushrooms are harvested from nearby farms, bushes and forest reserves, usually early in the morning.
Visit
When the Daily Graphic visited the mini market recently, there were some women sitting, while others squatted beside their produce, skillfully cleaning, sorting and calling out to passersby.
Freshly harvested wild mushrooms displayed for sale at the busy Wenchi Roundabout
Patrons, both men and women, pause, inspect, bargain, and purchase.
At the mini market, mushrooms are abundant, fresh and affordable, with prices ranging between GH¢10 and GH¢20 depending on the size of the bunches.
For many of the sellers, it’s an important source of income and a way to support their families.
Sellers
A seller, Amina Sulemana, told the Daily Graphic, “We go to the bush early in the morning, sometimes around 4 a.m., to pick the mushrooms.
Ms Sulemana, who is a single mother of two, added that the seasonal business had helped her to take care of her children.
Another seller, Adwoa Mensah, said people liked the mushrooms because they were fresh and natural.
She added that some customers, including chop bar operators, travel from far and near to patronise the market.
“Some days we sell everything quickly, especially in the morning. Other days, if the supply is too much, we reduce the price so it doesn’t spoil,” Mrs Mensah said.
Mrs Mensah, who also spoke about their challenges, said if it doesn’t rain adequately, they don’t get enough, adding that they sometimes walk long distances into the forest before finding them.
Fresh mushrooms
For many customers, the roadside mushroom market at the Wenchi Roundabout is not just a place to buy food, but a reliable stop for fresh and natural produce.
A patron, Benjamin Akoto, who was carefully examining the mushrooms, told the Daily Graphic that he liked buying from the roundabout because the mushrooms were fresh.
“I prefer these mushrooms because they are freshly harvested and have a richer taste compared to those sold in bigger markets,” he said.
Health benefits
A Nutritionist at the Sunyani Municipal Hospital, Christian Sarfo, described mushrooms as a highly nutritious food and a valuable alternative source of protein, especially for vegetarians.
She explained that mushrooms contain quality plant protein and provide key nutrients such as calcium and potassium, which support bone health and overall body function.
“Mushrooms are very good for the body and can help improve our diet,” she said, adding that they contained traces of Vitamin B12, which was often lacking in vegetarian diets.
Mrs Sarfo also highlighted their versatility, explaining that mushrooms could be used in a variety of local dishes, including soups, stews and jollof rice.
She added that they could be dried and ground into powder to enrich meals for children, supporting their growth and development.
Mrs Sarfo, however, advised that individuals with certain medical conditions, particularly those with high potassium or calcium levels, should seek medical guidance before consuming them regularly.
With mushrooms in abundance during the season, she urged the public to include them in their diets, describing mushrooms as a simple and natural way to boost nutrition.
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