The Ghana Artisans Associations, made up of over 20 different artisans groups across Ghana with the numerical strength of over 5000 have sent a strong signal to the government over what they described as neglect and failed campaign promises and hinted on an upcoming massive nationwide demonstration if things remain the same.
Addressing the media, the chairman for the association, Mr. Osei Asibey hinted that the current government led by his excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo – Addo in his 2016 campaign promised Artisans in the country heaven but now he is giving them hell.
Expressing their worries, the Chairman outlined four major reasons Artisans in the country feel abandoned and now have no option then spits fire to the government, he said, according to their research done on mechanics (fitters) in the country indicates that,
1. 47 – 49% of mechanics have lost their jobs from 2017 to the first half of 2019 due to road constructions and other government projects.
2. Mechanics in the country don’t have a permanent place of work after apprenticeship due to that many have turn squatters and roadside mechanics, meanwhile, the government promised them a permanent place of work.
3. Heavy electricity bills also forcing many out of their jobs.
4. Many craftsmen in the country have now turned into “Trotro” drivers and collectors including women, research shows that 5 artisans abandoned their work every day.
The above reasons and more have made Artisanship in the country no longer attractive to the youth and if things remain unchanged in the next 7 years the country will lose it artisanship power, Mr. Osei Asibey added
The association in the quest of giving artisans in the country a permanent place to work, the association in their own effort have acquired over 300 acres of already graded land which now need the government support in terms electricity, water and roads to the site to enable members to move in to settle.
BY: Emmanuel Koranteng|DIKODER.COM|D FM
