The Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration), Hon. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, has called for greater consultation, fair compensation and stronger legal protections for market women as Ghana undertakes major market redevelopment projects.
She made the call while delivering the keynote address at the launch of the book African Women Entrepreneurs in the Informal Economy: Social Justice Implications of Market Jolts in Ghana, organised by the Centre for Social Justice in Accra.
Congratulating the editors and contributors, Hon. Bampoe Addo described the publication as a timely resource that combines research with practical recommendations to improve the lives of millions of women working in Ghana’s informal economy.
She noted that the launch comes at a time when the government is implementing the 24-hour Economy policy and investing in the construction and redevelopment of markets across the country.
The Deputy Chief of Staff said market women remain the backbone of Ghana’s economy but are often the most affected by floods, fires, demolitions and market relocations.
“Market women are not obstacles to development. They are its primary beneficiaries and must be treated as such,” she said.
She stressed that market traders should be involved in every stage of planning, relocation and redevelopment to ensure their concerns are addressed.
Drawing from ongoing consultations over the restructuring of the 31st December Makola Market, she said government must strengthen engagement with traders to build trust and reduce conflict.
Hon. Bampoe Addo also called for prompt and adequate compensation for traders affected by redevelopment projects, in line with international standards.
She further urged authorities to provide transitional support, including relocation assistance, grace periods and affordable rental arrangements, to help traders maintain their businesses during redevelopment.
“Ghana’s market women are not just informal workers. They are the people who feed our nation. They are the people who clothe our children. They deserve infrastructure that is safe, modern and dignified. They deserve a process for getting there that is honest, consultative and fair,” she said.
She encouraged policymakers, local government authorities, civil society organisations and development partners to read the book and implement its recommendations to build a more inclusive and resilient informal economy.
The book was edited by Professor Ezenwayi C. Amaechi Ejiribe, Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey and Professor Joseph Ofori-Dankwa and explores the social justice implications of the economic shocks facing African women entrepreneurs in Ghana’s informal sector.
By Celestine Edem Gbologah//Newswatch
