The construction of the Cape Coast Artisans Village Project has begun. The project was started many years ago but stalled due to lack of funding.

The Metropolitan Chief Executive of Cape Coast, Ernest Arthur at a sod-cutting ceremony to start the project expressed his appreciation to the Coastal Development Authority for accepting to fund the Artisans Village Project.

“This project means a lot to the assembly because it is affecting the businesses of the artisans and its completion will bring smiles on the faces of many,” he stated.

Ernest Arthur was hopeful that with the intervention by the Coastal Development Authority, the project would see the light of day to improve the work of artisans in Cape Coast, especially, those at the Siwdu Garage.

The Siwdu Garage is the main Mechanic Shop in the Metropolis but lacks the required space and the necessary modern infrastructure to serve the people of Cape Coast and the region.

Chief Executive Officer of Coastal Development Authority, Jerry Ahmed, explained that providing support to artisans has been a priority of the President, hence the decision of CODA to provide funding for the completion of the Artisans Village.

He added that the first phase of the project is expected to be completed by the end of December 2020.

“Phase one of the project consists of the construction of concrete walls, construction of base for Sprayers, Welders, Electricians, Blacksmiths, etc and the provision of some basic facilities,” he revealed. 

The project, the CEO of the Coastal Development Authority, explains forms part of the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP) funded by the Ministry of Special Initiative and Development under the 1million per constituency project promised by the New Patriotic Party in 2016.

The Member of Parliament for Cape Coast North Constituency, Barbara Asher Ayisi was happy the project had commenced. She was convinced the NPP administration was on the right track in fulfilling its promises to the people of Ghana.

“There’s no doubt that the NPP-led government is doing a lot of work in Cape Coast North. So far, we’ve seen road projects, construction of schools and markets. This gives us cause to believe that the government was fulfilling its campaign promises,” she averred.

Babara Asher Ayisi used the opportunity to urge the ccontractor, Pakay Engineering as well as the Project Implementers, Coastal Development Authority (CoDA) and the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly to expedite work at the site so that artisans will have a decent place to go about their economic activities as soon as possible.

Present at the ceremony were Nana Kojo Addae, Chief of Abura, who represented the President of the Oguaa Traditional Council, Osabarimba Kwesi Arthur II, the Chief of Mempaesem, Deputy CEO of CODA, Kingsley Kofi Karikari, Mr. Obed Acquah Quansah, Central Regional Manager of CODA, Mr. Kojo Arhin, NPP Chairman, Cape Coast North Constituency among others.