The chairman of Zion Artisans, Spare Sparts and Food Sellers Association of Ghana in the Ashanti Region, Mr. Osei Asibey, has expressed the need for the government to pay attention to aŕtisans in the country. Stressing that the sidelining and neglect of artisans poses a threat to anger the country’s economic growth, it needs swift intervention by the government.
These skilled crafts artisans cannot be overstated but imbue their work as a gateway to project the country’s image internationally, while creating jobs for the teeming youth.
Speaking to the media, Mr Asibey projected that Ghanaian artisans are more than just skilled workers; they are custodians of tradition and culture.
However, artisans comprised of woodworkers, potters, textile designers, and metal craftsmen are Ghanaian individuals who have been practically trained in their fields with the requisite knowledge but cannot find themselves in the working fields after training.
Artisanship, according to Mr. Asibey, the informal sector employs a considerable percentage of Ghana’s population, with artisans constituting a significant chunk of this workforce. By providing jobs, promoting local materials, and fostering cultural tourism, it helps create a sustainable economic model that can withstand the pressures of globalization.
He reiterated that, in countries like France, Italy, and Germany, artisans are the engine of economic growth, contributing significantly to their GDP and cultural heritage.
He averred that artisans in other European countries bebenefitrom institutional support, andarketing networks, ;owever m,any Ghanaian artisans face significant challenges. These include limited access to financing, inadequate training programs and a lack of marketing resources poses a threat to the unique, handcrafted profession.
Additionally, Osei Asibey elaborated that, artisans in Ghana face a variety of challenges that can impact their livelihoods, businesses, and the overall development of the craft sector. Some of the key challenges include: financial support, access to market, skill development, competition from imports, limited infrastructure, and most importantly, lack of support from government.
He was of the view that, the association have acquired a vast land to develop a craft village for artisans to address the issue of accessible lands for artisans…and currently the land have been encroached by some people due it undeveloped nature.
Mr. Osei Asibey elaborated that the idea is to resource artisans in the sector. Hence, he reaffirms the president, John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to resource artisans during his visit to them in 2024…pleaded with him (President) to come to the assistance of artisans.
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