Abstract:
To revitalize market congestions in Ghana, governments in recent times have
resorted to building new and renovating old markets mostly in the regional
capitals to suit modernity. Since the construction of the Appremdo market in
1996, it has not been able to reach its target leading to few visitations, and low
patronage. This study examined the Socio-economic and Environmental
Implications of the location of the Appremdo Market on Traders in the Effia-
Kwesimintsim Municipal Area (EKMA). The study involved a descriptive
case study design with a mixed-method approach. Purposive and convenient
sampling was used for the qualitative study while simple random sampling
was used for the quantitative study. The study involved 24 and 151
participants for the qualitative and quantitative data respectively. Descriptive
analysis and thematic analysis were used for the quantitative and qualitative
analysis respectively.
The results showed that critical physical factors: openness, absence of streams,
and pollution were considerable factors but the distance between the Takoradi
Market Circle and Appremdo market location, was not. Human factors such as
suppliers and the availability of financial facilities were not considered. The
existence of strong bonds among traders strengthens their social connections.
Traders do not earn an adequate income from trading in the market. Dust and
muddiness affect the market environment. It is recommended that there should
be continuous advertisements on radio stations and mounting of billboards to
show the existence of the market and organize programs within the market to
create awareness of the market’s effective functioning. Additionally, the
government should provide a loan scheme to the traders to enhance their
businesses.
