Operational and locational characteristics of street vending in Kumasi Metropolis (Ghana)

Abstract

The dynamics of street vending in terms of operational and locational characteristics were investigated. The exploratory research was conducted in the Kumasi Metropolis to illustrate that trading location is important and that street vendors are small space users. The locational characteristics induced impulse buying, by providing amenity value and convenient sales opportunity, and therefore the vendors returned after eviction, refused to lea-ve the sites, and re-occupied the streets. There was general perception that street vending created job opportuni-ties and provided livelihood option to many poor urban residents. The city authorities had not been able to en-force bye-laws to control the activities of the street vendors, thereby, creating chaotic urban environment. Sustainable solutions to the problems associated with street vending could be achieved through attitudinal chan-ge, education and skill training, alternative employment opportunities and relocation to other satellite markets. The recommendation is to institute measures to prohibit the activities, and prevent the negative and undesirable impacts on the urban environment.