The Union of Informal Workers Associations (UNIWA) is calling on the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA) to reconsider the May 20 deadline to evacuate pavement traders in central Accra.
In a passionate appeal issued on Friday (16 May), UNIWA said the planned decongestion exercise could directly affect an estimated 5,000 traders, many of whom rely on the pavements as their primary business space and sole source of livelihood.
“These traders are the backbone of our local economy, keeping our markets vibrant, our streets lively, and our communities thriving,” the statement read. “However, the current deadline leaves them with an impossible task: to find new places to trade, settle their businesses, and maintain their livelihoods within a mere few days.”
The union acknowledged the importance of maintaining urban order and sanitation but said the human cost of the decision cannot be ignored.
“We must show the same empathy to traders that we expect from them when we call on them to reduce prices for consumers,” said Enoch K. Bioh, general secretary of UNIWA. “An extension would give them the chance to reorganise their businesses and ensure their livelihoods are not abruptly disrupted.”
UNIWA is appealing to AMA and KoKMA to delay the enforcement of the decongestion directive and work collaboratively to find alternative solutions that balance the developmental needs of the city with the social needs of vulnerable traders.
In addition, the union is asking the government to step in and provide support in three key areas:
- Provision of alternative market spaces for relocation
- Financial assistance to aid the transition process
- Logistical support for the movement and resettlement of traders
“To the traders, we say: remain hopeful. We will continue to advocate for your rights,” the union said, calling on authorities to “consider the human impact of your decisions.”
Read the statement in full below:
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