By Rebecca Ampah
The Union of Informal Workers Associations (UNIWA) has appealed to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA) to extend the 20 May 2025 deadline for the removal of traders from pavements in Accra.
In a press statement signed by UNIWA General Secretary, Enoch K. Bioh, the group warned that the directive could directly affect some 5,000 traders, many of whom depend on the streets for their livelihoods.
“These traders are not just statistics or numbers; they are human beings with families to feed, bills to pay, and dreams to pursue,” the statement said, stressing their contribution to the local economy by keeping markets vibrant and communities active.
The AMA and KoKMA’s decision to clear pavements is part of a broader effort to improve order and cleanliness in the city. However, UNIWA argues the timeline is too short, leaving little room for traders to find alternative spaces or reorganise their businesses.
As part of the appeal, UNIWA has called on the government to intervene and provide support to affected traders, specifically requesting the provision of alternative market spaces for traders to relocate to, financial assistance to help traders transition to new locations, and logistical support to facilitate the relocation and setup of businesses in new spaces.
The statement also urged authorities to consider the human impact of their decisions and to extend the deadline to allow traders a fair chance to adjust without jeopardizing their livelihoods.
To the traders, UNIWA offered a message of hope, pledging to continue advocating for their rights and interests as the deadline approaches.
The UNIWA appeal underscores the need for a balanced approach that considers both the economic and human aspects of urban management.
