The Role of Market Women in the Informal Urban Economy in Kumasi

In this paper, the authors examined the role of market women in the informal urban economy and the factors that threaten the effective performance of their roles. Interviewing 360 foodstuff sellers from the Kumasi Central Market and the Race Course Markets, the authors identified that the market women had made significant contributions towards Ghana’s fiscal decentralisation through the payment of levies and rents. They have also created jobs, provided incomes for households, ensured food security and sufficiency, and provided a platform for generational development of entrepreneurial skills and competence. However, their roles in the informal economy were constrained by the inadequate basic infrastructure in the markets, limited access to credit facilities and transportation difficulties. The paper therefore recommended the provision of basic life enhancing infrastructure and credit facilities complemented with capacity building in business management

Participation of women in local governance in Ghana: a case study of Ashanti region

Active involvement of women in steering and directing public affairs, including development activities, especially at the local levels is critical to the successful implementation of the Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy (GPRS). The paper evaluates the extent to which this is happening at the district assembly levels in Ghana with a focus on Ashanti Region. General data and analysis of women\'s involvement in local governance in Ghana are presented as background to a more detailed study of two selected districts in Ashanti Region. Results of the national, regional and micro-level analysis indicate that broad-based participation of women in community development and governance are still lacking, in comparison with the size of their numbers. This is despite the fact that there is increasing effort to ensure that this happens. In the light of the above, a way forward is suggested. Keywords: gender, local government, representation, participation Journal Of Science And Technology Vol. 25 (1) 2005: 95-10