Shop owners in Accra Newtown have appealed to the government to urgently provide safe and designated shelters for head porters (kayayei) who currently sleep in front of their shops, warning that the increased number of these women has created sanitation problems and posed safety risks to both the porters and their businesses.
Accra Newtown, a bustling commercial enclave known for its vibrant printing industry and proximity to the Mallam Atta Market, continues to attract head porters, most of them women from northern Ghana seeking better economic opportunities. These women often carry heavy loads for low wages, frequently while caring for infants.
However, their struggles extend beyond working hours. With no access to secure accommodation, many of them are forced to sleep on pavements in front of shops, exposed to theft, harsh weather, and personal insecurity.
While many shop owners sympathize with the porters and allow them to sleep outside their stores without charge, they mentioned that the situation has become untenable.
Safety and hygiene concerns have mounted, and they fear that without urgent intervention, conditions may deteriorate further.
Edward Ankrah, a paper retailer, expressed concern about the growing fire risk due to cooking activities in front of his shop. “I often advise them not to cook here, but they have nowhere else to go,” he said, as he called on the government and NGOs to intervene.
Jacqueline Bentil, a vendor of drinks and clothing, echoed similar concerns, emphasizing the sanitation challenges. “It’s not safe for them or us. We need urgent action from the authorities,” she stressed.
In response to these concerns, Alhassan Abubakar, Chairman of the Works Sub-Committee at the Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly, disclosed that there were ongoing plans to build a shelter for the head porters. However, he noted that progress had stalled due to resistance from some community members.
Efforts by the Channel One News team to speak with the head porters revealed a sense of fear and vulnerability among them. Many declined to comment, worried they might be evicted. One porter, Aisha, however, opened up, recounting sleepless, rain-soaked nights spent on the streets.