Artisans come together

Main Topic | Threaded view | Expanded view

Government has recognized the unique role artisans play in socio-economic development and would do all it could to ensure that all the necessary assistance is extended to them, Mr Godfred Bayo, Deputy Minister of Roads and Transport, said at the weekend.

Speaking at the inauguration of a 12-member executive committee of the Association of Ghana artisans (ASSOGA) in Accra, he said artisans in the country had helped a lot in bringing the country this far by especially taking care of repairs of vehicles in the country.

“The movement of goods in the country lies in your hands and also you have provided jobs for a lot of youngsters in the country, which to me, is commendable,” he added.

He appealed to them to urge their clients to use good quality parts for their vehicles in order to reduce the high rate of accidents in the country.

Mr. Sabah Grants, Chief Executive Officer of the Informal Sector of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) advised the artisans to take advantage of a policy devised by his outfit to ensure that those in the informal sector could also save towards their pension.

He called on the new executives to work to ensure the well-being of their members and also initiate policies which would serve their interest.

Mr Immanuel Pidedzi, National Chairman of ASSOGA, said it was formed out of concerns expressed by some eminent citizens due to the unique role that artisans played in the socio-economic development of the country.

ASSOGA, he said, believed that the comfort of the future generation of artisans depended on how the present generation maintained a balanced business and cordial relationship with successive governments.

He appealed to government to assist members with small loans to enable them to expand their businesses.

Membership of ASSOGA includes furniture and woodworks workers, masons, steel benders, hairdressers, tailors, mechanics, weavers, plumbers, sprayers and those in leather works.