Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences - Cultural and Social Geography

Open Markets in Ghana and Covid-19 interventions

Research project on the implications of COVID-19 interventions on Markets in Accra and Kumasi (together with Lewis Abedi Asante, Technical University of Kumasi). DFG Focus Program, FU 1098/2-1

Documents

Selected Results and Policy Recommendations

 

 

Background

  • Markets in Western Africa notoriously a conflictive target of redevelopment and urban renewal (Asante, 2020; Asante and Helbrecht, 2020b)
  • Importance of current Markets for income, general livelihood and several social functions especially for urban poor (Boateng & Korang-Okrah 2013, Scheiterle & Birner 2020). 
  • First response to Covid-19 in Ghana singled out infection control measures at Open Markets -> adding to existing tensions (Asante and Helbrecht, 2020c)

Methods

  • Qualitative Interviews in two cities (Accra and Kumasi) and on three markets.

  • Expert interviews with municipal authorities, market leaders, trader associations

  • Focus group discussions with different stakeholders

Project Goals

  • Understanding relational qualities of Markets: What are necessary functions of the market that became visible via the Covid-rupture? 
  • Taking into account lasting impact of interventions: Focus on informalized stakeholders (head porters [Kayayei], petty traders, internal migrants)
  • Policy recommendations: Policy White Paper on participants view on effective and less harmful infection control interventions