Artisans in the Assin area (North and South) of the Central Region have sent an SOS message to the authorities to come to their aid by establishing an industrial zone (magazine) to help revive their operations, which they claim are on diminishing returns.

They [artisans] say the creation of a modern and spacious industrial zone furnished with basic social amenities in the Assin area to accommodate metal fabricators, mechanics, spare-parts dealers, woodworkers and a host of others would serve as a job reservoir for over 1,500 people in the area and also cater for other 3,000 dependents.

According to the artisans, lack of a befitting industrial site for the various players is adversely affecting the economic growth of the industry and creating huge environmental nuisance emanating from the activities particularly those operating at the central business district of the communities in question -- Assin Fosu, Assin Praso and Fante Nyankonase.

Artisans in these communities are currently hovering around the shoulders of roads while others have squeezed themselves in some pocket areas. The situation has created a vacuum for serious congestion and a high rate of illegal electricity connections to power their machines.

The scattered nature of the artisanal business is also affecting the revenue returns from the operators. Revenue collectors are unable to reach out to all -- thereby not meeting revenue targets. In 2009, the District Assembly projected GH¢4,100 as the revenue target for the Assin Fosu magazine but managed to accrue only GH¢1,480 and in 2010 the Assembly amassed GH¢2,400 out of the set target of GH¢3,975.

A study conducted by the Ghana National Association of Garages (GNAG)-Assin Branch and BUSAC has established that every operating firm can pay at least GH¢120 per annum in a form of toll and through renewal of operational permits should all artisans be moved to one site. They are of the view that it is therefore economic wisdom for authorities to spearhead the construction of a state-of-the-art industrial zone per the aforementioned economic benefits.

GNAG-Assin Fosu has acquired a large plot of land in Adubease to develop into a modern industrial zone through Public Private Partnership (PPP), but the project -- estimated at GH¢91,205 -- has come to a standstill. This, according to the Garages, is the result of lack of commitment on the part of the District Assembly.

It will be economically efficient and competitive for both parties to create one major industrial zone in the vicinity with basic facilities, and therefore the concept must be sold to development partners to seek their buy in, they have stressed.