Artisans at Weija junction have called for government intervention in a planned blockade of a road leading to many artisanal shops at Weija junction.

Referring to the road on the immediate right on the Accra Kasoa road which leads to the Weija township, the artisans said blocking it will severely affect their businesses.  

According to some artisans who work and own shops in the same enclave as the Disciples of Christ Ministries,  the church has served notice to block the said road on Monday. 

In a move to draw attention to their concerns, the traders numbering about 400 Saturday morning demonstrated at Weija.

“The government of President Nana Addo wants the youth to work with their hands so that ‘wee smoking and tramadol consumption will be reduced but we are being prevented from working with our hands,” one trader told Adom Central region correspondent, Kofi Adjei.

The angry artisans alleged during the demonstration that what is happening is being orchestrated by the leader of the church, Lillian Kumah and the MCE for Weija-Gbawe Municipal Assembly, Patrick KB Kumor. 

 “We are very serious, the woman has disturbed us for a very long time. For the last four years, she has been harassing us with ejection notice. If they dare keep the blockade we will dismantle it,” another trader warned. 

On his part, the Chairman of the National Artisans and Traders Union of Ghana, Benjamin Adams, backed the demonstrators in their demand.

According to him, his outfit has exhausted all legal avenues aimed at seeking a peaceful redress. 

“We petitioned the Ghana police, we have petitioned the Weija Assembly, we have even spoken to John Kuma who is related to the woman, we have also petitioned the president to also have a look into the matter but to no avail.

“We will never allow them to block the road,” he vowed.

Disciples Nation Ministries fight back

The church has defended its decision to block the road.

According to the secretary of the church,  Pastor Lewisa Alima, the road was created by the church for its own purpose and its part of the church’ property.

The church has threatened to defend itself should the artisans attempt to fight them.

“Come and pick the map of that area to prove if indeed that place has been marked as a road. It is mere jealousy which is leading to the protest. They can do whatever they like, once we have not offended any law, we will not agree,” she remarked.