The politics of place allocation: Actor relationships and market space in Ghana’s informal sector

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine how political settlement dynamics influence space allocation and governance in informal markets in Accra, Ghana, focusing on relations between the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and informal traders. Design/methodology/approach Adopting a qualitative approach, this study draws on document reviews, in-depth interviews with AMA officials and focus group discussions with traders in three major markets in Accra. The data was thematically analysed to capture actor relationships, power bargains and governance architectures in the allocation of market space. Findings Three governance architectures of space allocation emerged: hybrid co-management between AMA and traders, procedural fairness through registration and bye-law–practice divergence dominated by market queens. Relations between AMA officials and traders oscillated between strained and antagonistic, shaped by trust, levy compliance and unresolved disputes. This study highlights how governance is mediated by ongoing negotiations where formal and informal actors continually renegotiate influence. Research limitations/implications The findings of this study underscore the need for transparent allocation processes, permanent liaison committees and participatory governance mechanisms to enhance trust and urban resilience, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals 8 and 11. Originality/value By applying the political settlement framework to micro-level evidence, this study shows how everyday power bargains reshape urban governance, reframing informal markets as dynamic sites of negotiation rather than static spaces of informality.