This plea was made during the presentation of findings by Women in Informal Employ­ment: Globalising and Organising (WIEGO), a global network that advocates the rights of informal workers, particularly women in Accra.

The report emphasised the significant impact of inflation on informal workers, resulting in decreased purchasing power and reduced demand for their prod­ucts and services.

Mr Karim Saagbul, who pre­sented the findings, said nearly 90 per cent of workers reported lower earnings compared to the beginning of the year.

This economic decline he said, had heightened competition among workers, weakened their bargaining power, and limited their ability to sustain their livelihoods.

To address these challenges, Mr Saagbul stressed the immediate need for cash grants and access to low-interest loans for those in the affected sector.

He called on the government to expand existing loan programmes, providing loans with minimal or no interest, and ensuring a trans­parent and accessible application process for workers.

Furthermore, Mr Saagbul stressed the importance of inclu­sive economic policies that sup­port informal workers, particularly in controlling inflation on essential items and utility bills.

“Guarantee that supportive eco­nom­ic pol­icies are inclusive of workers in informal employment. Workers demand government intervention to control inflation on essential items, utility bills, essential food items and transport,” he said.

Mr Saagbul said of all the sectors covered in the study, kayayeis were the most vulnerable, and many struggle to cover basic needs, adding that government should provide livelihood sup­port, including food aid, access to secure housing close to places of work, among others.

He called on the metropolitan and municipal assemblies within Greater Accra Region to end all forms of harassment and expand markets to create space for vendors, guaran­teeing benefits for vendors and pedestrians alike.

“Market infrastructure should be upgraded in partnership with market trad­ers’ organisations to improve lighting, drainage, security, and childcare facilities,” he said.

He said tax contributions from market traders and street vendors must be used transparently by the municipality to maintain and im­prove markets’ infrastructure and ensure access to basic services.