The Spatial Dimensions of the Informal Economy in Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract

The Informal Economy is a visible and unyielding phenomenon characterizing the space economy of cities of the developing world including Ghana. It comprises a whole array of small-scale labour-intensive enterprises which provide jobs and income for millions of people in these cities. This paper analysed the spatial dispositions of the activities of the informal economy in a Ghanaian city within the framework of the urban planning system. The analysis revealed different and complex spatial dispositions of these activities. It was observed that because no provisions were made for them in planning schemes, unoccupied public spaces always became their obvious targets. This process has resulted in encroachment of public spaces, distortion of the orderly implementation of planning schemes and the creation of all forms of spatial frictions including vehicular and pedestrian conflicts. To address this problem, there is the need to provide alternative sites for informal activities; resource and strengthen city planning institutions, introduce legislative reforms and public participation in the planning system.