Socio-Economic And Environmental Implications Of The Location Of The Appremdo Market On Traders In Effiakwesimintim Municipal Area, Ghana

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.