Ice Cream Hawkers in Cape Coast, Ghana

The main objective of this study was to find out the social, economic background and aspiration of Fan Ice Cream Hawkers in Cape Coast. Sixty hawkers were randomly selected and interviewed based on 31 questions. In addition to relevant literature reviewed the history of the Fan Milk company was looked at in Ghana. Data was presented using largely tables and analysis done descriptively. Hawking has a historical roots in the Ghanaian society but selling of Fan Ice Cream is a recent development. It is usually dominated by young males who are not married. The educational background of hawkers is very low and the same can be said of their parents. The hawkers largely engage in hawking for economic reasons and more importantly to save money to learn other trades. Most hawkers were living with their parents and have their full support to engage in the trade. Most of the hawkers are Christians and are indigenes (fantes) of Cape Coast. They face problems such as low commission, breakdown of bicycles and extreme hot weather.

I hold a B.A. (Hons.) in Sociology, Master of Arts and Master of Philosophy Degrees in Library Studies from the University of Ghana. I am presently working in the College of Health Sciences as an Assistant Librarian In-Charge of I.C.T. I teach Information Literacy. I am a Born Again Christian and married with three boys and a girl.