Mobile Phones Boost �Kayayei�s Business

Some porters otherwise known as �kayayei� have disclosed to The Spectator that the advent of mobile phones has given a boost to their work. This is because they are now in constant touch with their clients and patrons as well as each other. At the Madina market, the porters are found usually in large numbers in front of shops, under sheds or moving round to catch the attention of clients with their pans either in their hands or on their heads. One of them, Samida Aminu from Bimbilla, who has been in the business for nine years claimed she is able to connect with her customers by phone, to know when they will come to the market and where exactly she could meet them. This she said had been helpful, saved time and made the job more convenient for her. Samida disclosed she went in for the a mobile phone when she realized her compatriots who had phones, where having an advantage over her since they knew the movement of their patrons and could simply call them and arrange for business. Adama Baba, from Walewale, said they now have each other�s telephone numbers, so in the event that any of them is unable to meet a client she contacts the other to undertake the assignment, and by that avoid disappointing such loyal clients. Adama has been in the business at Madina for four years and revealed that currently, some of their clients have even taken the relationship with them further, by calling them to shop for them and either deliver the stuff at home or the office, after which they are paid and this she described as rewarding. Asked who their clients are, they replied, it is their �secret� and would therefore not disclose it. Angela Agyare-Bediako, a resident of Ashalley Botwe and patron of the porters described the porters� decision to own mobile phones as an indication of their determination to be abreast of modern trends and use technology to enhance their business. She emphasized that it had made them accessible to the public, especially on Wednesdays and Saturdays which are the market days at Madina and very busy days for both shoppers and porters.