Speaking on ABC News GH on Wednesday, Dr. Benedict Arkhurst, Head of Plan Preparation at the Land Use & Spatial Planning Authority, issued a sobering warning to government officials about the financial and social repercussions of neglecting informal trading sectors.
“Either we plan for them or we ensure we enforce our plans,” he declared, laying out a stark choice for urban policymakers.
Dr. Arkhurst noted that informal trading has become an inherent element of urban development, stating:
“Informal has been part of our human settlement development for some time now. Once it has become part of us, we have to find a way of planning around it.”
He criticized current urban planning processes for neglecting the concerns of these informal trades—often seen clogging major transport corridors and pedestrian walkways without designated space.
“Urban planning has rather failed to incorporate the concerns of these informal trades in the design of the plans and also along major transport and roads within the city,” he remarked.
He argued that if proper planning was in place, enforcement would not have to take such drastic measures.
Dr. Arkhurst’s remarks come on the heels of mounting controversy in Kumasi, where Mayor Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi issued a draconian two-week ultimatum to clear traders from the streets, threatening public flogging for those who defy the order.
While the Mayor’s approach has provoked national outcry and condemnation from the Minority Caucus in Parliament, Dr. Arkhurst is urging a forward-thinking solution.
He stressed the need for city planners to create designated spaces within the transport roads for informal activities.
“In planning for roads and major transport corridors, can we find a way of creating spaces within the transport roads for informal activities?” he proposed.
“If that cannot be done, then we will have to ensure that we spend a lot of money to ensure that we sack and free the spaces for pedestrians.”
Dr. Arkhurst’s candid call to action shines a light on the costly consequences of trying to forcibly remove an integral part of urban commerce, urging the government to invest in smarter, more inclusive urban planning—before public funds are drained chasing traders off the streets.
