Over 15,000 artisans at Suame Magazine face eviction

In Kumasi ‘s Suame Magazine industrial hub, a crisis looms large as over 15,000 artisans face the threat of eviction.

The zone 13 area of this hub, a bustling center of trade and craftsmanship, is now under the shadow of a court order favoring a private developer intent on transforming the land into an estate project.

This developer, backed by the land commission, has issued eviction notices to the artisans, citing a need for legal amendment of Executive Instrument (E.I. 36) which currently covers the land, to facilitate their plans.

Since 1989, these artisans have utilized this space, building a community and a local economy that now stands on the brink of disruption.

The eviction not only threatens their livelihoods but also dismantles a longstanding community network.

Eric Arhin, the chairman of zone 13, expresses the collective anxiety, urging the government and the Asantehene to intervene on their behalf to prevent what he calls a significant blow to their community.

The looming eviction has stirred political tensions, with artisans threatening to withdraw support for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming December elections if their plight is ignored.

Their grievances stem from what they perceive as a betrayal by the current government regime, under which public lands are being sold to private entities.

This situation has escalated to involve key political figures. The Ashanti regional minister, Simon Osei Mensah, has been approached for help but to little avail.

In contrast, Kwabena Nsenkyire, a spare parts dealer and prominent NPP member, has visited the area, promising that the Vice-President will address the issue, urging patience and peace during the legal proceedings.

To mitigate this crisis and find a sustainable resolution, several strategies could be considered:

1. Legal Aid and Advocacy: Providing legal support to the artisans to challenge the eviction legally and seek an amendment of E.I. 36 could offer a reprieve and potentially overturn the eviction order.

2. Government Intervention: Direct intervention by higher government authorities, including the Asantehene and national government officials, could help mediate between the private developers and the artisans to find an equitable solution.

3. Relocation Assistance: If eviction is inevitable, the government and the private developer should provide significant assistance in relocating these artisans.

ALSO READ: The New WhatsApp AI And Dangers Of Exam Malpractices During 2024 BECE and WASSCE

This could include financial aid, assistance in securing new sites for their businesses, and logistical support during the move.

4. Compensation Packages: Offering fair compensation to those displaced by the eviction can help them rebuild their businesses elsewhere.

This compensation should reflect not just the value of the physical property but also the potential loss of earnings.

5. Economic Impact Assessment: Conducting a thorough assessment to understand the broader economic impact of displacing such a large number of artisans could serve as a basis for policy decisions.

This would highlight the contribution of these artisans to the local economy and may lead to policy changes that protect similar communities in the future.

6. Community Development Projects: Engaging the artisans in discussions about community development projects that could benefit them as part of the estate development plan.

Integrating workspaces for the artisans within the new development could be a win-win for both the developers and the local economy.

These suggestions aim to provide a comprehensive approach to handling the eviction threat in a way that respects the rights and livelihoods of the Suame Magazine artisans, ensuring that their skills and contributions to the local economy are not lost in the face of development pressures.

Share Our Post on the Topic ‘Over 15,000 artisans at Suame Magazine face eviction’.

To Read More Stories, Click Here.