Description

Informal worker Iris Lamiorkor runs a snack stand at Kwame Nkrumah Circle Market. Unlike other vendors who sell during the day, Iris works in the late afternoon and evening, targeting the post-business day rush of commuters who travel through Kwame Nkrumah Circle, Accra's largest transport hub. Over the years, Iris has evolved from selling credit to school bags and ladies bags to selling small snacks, constantly working to identify the best goods to tap into consumer demands. "Bags are optional, it doesn't move as fast...when the season is over, students aren't buying schoolbags. I finally settled on this one [snacks], because at the end of the day, you will always make some [profit] out of it." Iris is a member of the Kwame Nkrumah Market affiliate of the national-level Ghana Trade Union Congress, which supports its members at this market by visiting vendor members, assessing their performance in interacting with and gaining customers, and providing supportive feedback. In addition, when members experience problems, such as the seizure and confiscation of their goods by the Accra Metroplitan Assembly, the TUC steps in as a representative to assist them in getting their items back. FULLY RELEASED - CONSENT NUMBER: ACC026