Shades of informality: taxonomy and operational characteristics of informal economic activities in central Kumasi, Ghana

ABSTRACT

Urban informal economic activities in the developing world have not been fully understood by city authorities. These viable economic activities are seen as a nuisance and are brutally treated. Using the case of Kumasi, Ghana’s second city, this study draws on multiple qualitative methods to explore the production, form, and dynamics of urban informality. Respondents were selected among street hawkers, market traders, shop owners, city officials and customary authorities. Four main forms of informal economic activities are identified: roaming, settling, attaching, and inserting. The study suggests differential treatment of these informal economic activities and calls for recognition, acceptance, and inclusion.

KEYWORDS:

• Urban Informalities
• Informal economic spaces
• Urban planning
• Kumasi

Author contributions

All authors contributed to all aspects of the paper: conceptualization, data curation, data analysis, funding acquisition, methodology, writing, and reviewing. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Informed Consent Statement

Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.

Statement on ethical considerations

All ethical considerations pertaining to the conduct of research involving human participants of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology were adhered to. The researchers observed and maintained high ethical standards for all human subjects. The documentation of informed consent was waived by the ethics committee.

Notes

1. King of the Traditional State of Asante.

Additional information

Funding

This research was self-funded.