Meeting the challenge of informal city businesses through partnership in Sekondi-Takoradi

About 80 percent of economic activities mostly informal are carried out in makeshift temporary structures. According to the Ghana Statistical Service 86.1% of the national labour force are working under circumstances which are to the largest extend not controlled, regulated or standardized by state institutions. The trend will continue to grow as it serves as an important safety net for vast majority of the city's residents. As it is largely unorganized, issues regarding sanitation, reliable data for effective governance and orderly spatial development and monitoring of growth becomes difficult. It is therefore expedient to pay close attention to this large segment of the metro economy.

Considering that less than 14% of employment is generated in the formal and public sector, it is obvious that most of the jobs that will be needed to satisfy the labor market in the future have to be created within the informal economy.

As the potential growth engine for internally driven economic transformation, the informal sector development needs to receive planned integration, interconnection and inclusiveness in the mainstream city management.

The initiative by extension will contribute to;

a. Better jobs environment

b. Broader tax base

c. Better information on economic activities

d. Enhanced City Landscape

e. Good hygiene and sanitation

f. Stronger social contract

g. Improved security

h. Increase investment in the metro economy.