A corner on the Graphic Road in Accra is now a full-blown market, with brisk trading, especially of food stuffs.
For these traders, the spot is favorable, but it is illegal to sell there. That’s not all – they obstruct traffic and this makes them a nuisance, with the extension of their business towards the Central Police Station.
Pedestrians no longer own the pavements created for them, forcing them to share the road with moving vehicles.
The influx of people coupled with limited spaces at the markets may be a major reason for overflow of markets to other open spaces particularly walkways and car parks.
From the Kinbu Secondary School, to the frontage of the Greater Accra Regional Fire Service Station at Makola, the Accra Central Police Station all the way to the Republic House Branch of the GCB bank, vigorous trading is on-going.
Dealing in all manner of wares. Their presence at these unauthorized places have also extended to the Graphic Road.
Many complain that their presence seems not to have caught the attention of authorities yet, so, they continue to have a field day at their illegal location.
As markets spring up just anywhere, so is the activities of hawkers. Both go hand in hand.
Not only have these traders occupied the pavements meant for pedestrians but have also extended their invasion close to some recreational centres.
The Afua Sutherlands Children’s Park area, is typical example. Wide areas of the pavement have been reduced to single-lanes due to trading, causing some of the pedestrians to use the busy main road despite the risk it poses to them.
Oblivious of the dangers it poses to these traders, they argue that, they also, in their own way, contribute to the national kitty by paying their daily toll.
But, with the inconvenience they cause, many ask what we should do? They also ask what we place premium on – the revenue or a well-coordinated and structured city.
