Accra’s bustling markets and shops are set to fall silent on Saturday, October 4, as the Union of Informal Workers Associations (UNIWA) throws support behind the Accra Metropolitan Assembly’s directive for shop closures on the National Sanitation Day.
AMA had already announced that all shops must be closed for the observance of the maiden National Sanitation Day clean-up exercise. While the initiative promises cleaner streets and a healthier city, it also raises concerns about the immediate impact on businesses and consumers.
UNIWA, which represents thousands of traders, artisans, and market women, has thrown its weight behind the exercise, describing it as “a collective commitment to safeguarding our environment.”
“UNIWA urges all its members to actively participate in this historic clean-up exercise. By joining hands with the AMA, civil society, and the wider public, we demonstrate that informal workers are not only key drivers of the economy but also committed citizens dedicated to building a healthier and more sustainable city,” the statement released by UNIWA indicated.
It added, “The Union of Informal Workers Associations (UNIWA) warmly welcomes and fully supports the directive by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), under the leadership of the Mayor, to close shops and markets on Saturday, 4th October 2025, to observe the first National Sanitation Day clean-up exercise.”
Despite the good motive, for many shoppers and businesses, the closure comes at a critical time.
For instance, it comes at a critical time for parents and guardians preparing and racing against time to send their wards to Senior High School.
With new SHS students expected to report in a few weeks, Saturday is usually a peak shopping day for essentials like mattresses, chop boxes, school uniforms, provisions, and stationery.
The forced closure of shops may leave many families scrambling to make last-minute purchases or facing higher prices in the rush on Friday or Sunday.
Small businesses, too, are going to make some sacrifices. Market women who depend on brisk weekend sales, especially food vendors and clothing retailers, fear that losing a day’s trading could cut into their already tight margins.
Transport operators who ferry shoppers and goods to major markets are also bracing for lower income.
Poor sanitation continues to cost Ghana millions of cedis annually in health bills and lost productivity. By institutionalizing a culture of cleanliness, the country hopes to reduce flooding, curb diseases like cholera, and create a more attractive business environment.
