Improving socio-economic conditions of informal sector operators: A study of garage operators at Suame, Kumasi

Abstract

Macro-economic strategies for poverty reduction, such as the SAP and GPRSs were not adequately successful. A micro-economic focus is therefore proposed as a contemporary approach towards poverty reduction. The fact that the informal economy employs more than eighty percent of Ghana's working population suggests that improving the socio economic conditions of informal operators would mean reducing poverty for the majority of the working population. This study aimed to examine how incomes generated in the informal garage economy reflect in the socio economic well-being of informal garage operators and explore the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of informal garage enterprises that can help improve the socio-economic conditions of the operators. A descriptive study design was adopted by the study. Interview schedule and interview guide were used to collect primary data. The study found that most informal garage operators contributed a greater portion of their household income. The opportunities available for the enterprises included high access to market and supplies. High competition, job insecurity, and inadequate support from local government were some identified threats. The study recommended garage operators to develop a common fund for infrastructural development within the cluster. It also recommended collaborative support o flocal government authorities and NGOs.