** Accra: confrontation between itinerant traders and city authorities **
In the heart of Accra, the central business district turns into a battlefield for thousands of itinerant traders, while the authorities are trying to restore a certain order in public space. The sidewalks, supposed to be traffic lanes for pedestrians, are crowded with improvised stands and sellers, making traffic difficult, or even almost impossible.
This situation is not new, but it has acquired an increasing intensity in recent years. The problem illustrates the confrontation between urban development imperatives and the most vulnerable economic realities. In response to this congestion crisis, the Metropolitan Assembly of Accra (AMA) and the municipal assembly of Korle Klottey launched a de-component program aimed at destroying unauthorized structures and relocating merchants.
The challenge facing the authorities is multidimensional. On the one hand, there is the undeniable need to restore a public order and to facilitate the circulation of traffic in a growing city. On the other hand, merchants, a majority of whom are made up of women, underline the precariousness of their situation. Agnes Aboagye, a regular trader, sums up the dilemma: “We are just trying to survive. Where are they supposed to send us?”
These words reveal a complexity deserving of a particular attention. The subsistence of itinerant traders often rests on their ability to sell directly to consumers in prized, but unregulated spaces. The measures taken by the authorities seem to ignore the reality in which these people live. The question then arises: what alternatives do the authorities offer to help traders find other livelihoods? The solutions must be inclusive, taking into account the basic needs of those who depend on these activities for their daily lives.
Gilbert Nii Ankrah, the AMA public relations manager, recognized that previous shares, such as “Clean Your Frontage Operation”, did not give the expected results. This implied criticism can lead to wondering what real political commitment exists to resolve this crisis in a lasting way. Simply serve as a short-term solution without approaching the underlying causes?
Researchers in town planning and sociology often agree that successful initiatives to restructure urban space must be accompanied by consultation and collaboration with the communities concerned. The implementation of a de-congestion program which does not take into account the experience of traders may come up against resistance and additional deterioration of the situation.
A more collaborative approach could go through the creation of organized markets or designated trade zones, allowing traders to continue their activity while respecting public order. Many cities around the world have adopted this model, balancing the needs of traders with those of pedestrians and motorists. For example, initiatives similar to those carried out in Lagos, Nigeria, have shown that open dialogues and mutual concessions can lead to beneficial results for all parties.
While ACCRA faces this complex challenge, the city is at a decisive crossroads: successfully finding solutions that reflect an inexpensive understanding of the multiple social and economic realities of its inhabitants. The current situation, if not carefully managed, could lead to new tensions between authorities and communities, creating a feeling of despair among traders and undergoing urban development efforts.
As the city progresses with its ambitious plans, it is vital that the most vulnerable voices are heard and that the solutions adopted are part of a sustainability and respect for human rights. At a time when the world is evolving towards inclusive development models, Accra must not stay back, but rather to become an example of responsible and human urban management.