Urban marketing system: an analysis of operational and environmental conditions of markets in Ghana

Abstract

The importance of trade, and particularly markets in the full understanding of the economy of Ghana and similar West African countries can hardly be over-emphasized, For the bulk of trade takes place in markets, which are the main channels and distributing centres for local farm and marine produce, textiles, jewellery, hardware and other numerous miscellaneous items. The role women play in the economy is clearly revealed in their long involvement in the marketing system since the fifteenth century. Indeed, their dominance in the trade sector is supported by the 1970 Census report which demonstrates that no less than 84.6 per cent of the labour force engaged in the commercial sector are women. The report further states that the number of women traders involved in commerce increased by 33. 9 per cent between 1%0 and 1970, and that women invariably dominate the foodstuff trade.