'Kiosk Estate' : Hazardous living conditions, cohabitation practices raise concerns
Lydia Ezit
Lifestyle
Areas such as Dzorwulu, Spintex, Community 18 and Adabraka are suburbs of Accra dotted with these structures, which persist due to individuals who have turned them into a business model.
These entrepreneurs acquire land from owners unwilling to develop it and rent out kiosks to occupants. A single plot of land can accommodate approximately 500 kiosks, with occupants paying an annual fee of GH¢500 for their allocated space.
In addition to collecting a monthly rent of GH¢90, these businessmen also charge occupants for water and electricity, resulting in additional profits. The Mirror observed that a proper ‘kiosk estate’ typically has a large gate at the entrance.
The occupants of these structures mainly consist of high school graduates, factory workers, dispatch riders, hawkers and migrants seeking better opportunities in the city.
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Water leakages observed in some of the kiosks in the estate
During a recent visit to these areas, The Mirror noted that some of the wooden structures are situated in hazardous locations, particularly those placed beneath electricity pylons.
Pylons are tall metal structures that carry electric cables and children were seen walking under exposed electric wires between the kiosks.
This poses a severe risk, especially during rainy seasons when barefooted children may accidentally step on live wires, leading to electrocution.
Unfortunate sight of children walking barefooted between the kiosks
The Mirror's investigation further revealed the absence of essential amenities such as proper toilet facilities and some occupants were found cooking inside their kiosks, using gas cylinders.
Concerns were raised about the lack of fire safety measures in the event of an outbreak.
One occupant, Enam Kwofi, a high school graduate living in a kiosk at Spintex Printex junction since 2019, shared that all the occupants tap electricity from a caretaker's prepaid meter, for which they collectively pay GH¢40 per month.
Dilapidated condition of some wooden structures in the estate
Another senior high school graduate, Ben Marfo, explained that he resorted to living in a kiosk due to the high cost of rent as most factory workers in the area earn only GH¢450.
“Saving for proper accommodation becomes challenging under such circumstances, making the affordable GH¢500 kiosk accommodation a popular choice.”
Although some occupants boasted living in these structures for years, saving money and eventually building their own homes, others managed to move into proper accommodation within two years and sold their kiosks for GH¢2,500.
A typical bathroom attached to a kiosk
Cohabitation among occupants was found to be a common practice, with some individuals moving into another person's kiosk to live together.
The Mirror gathered that this phenomenon was not synonymous with prostitution but rather a result of early pregnancies among teenagers.
In terms of electricity, The Mirror reached out to the Public Relations Officer of the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited, Mr Williams Boateng, who emphasised the importance of professionals handling wiring when extending power to kiosks.
Children walking barefooted between the kiosks.
He stressed the need for city authorities to take charge of these areas and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
The Public Relations Officer of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Mr Gilbert Ankrah, stated that the structures in these areas fell under other autonomous assemblies but plans were underway for the AMA to assume responsibility for them.
