Artisans at a section of the Suame industrial enclave in Kumasi are protesting a court order to evacuate from their operational space, after it was reportedly sold to a private developer.

At least 15,000 artisans at Zone 13 of the industrial hub risk losing their source of livelihood.

But the artisans say the parcel of land they occupy is under a legislative instrument granting them the legitimate permission to ply their trade and vocation.

Hundreds of artisans took to the streets of Suame Magazine to register their discontent after they were served a notice by the Lands Commission to evacuate the space.

The court ruling, ordering the eviction of over 15,000 Suame Magazine artisans operating at the Zone 13 enclave, has sparked growing agitation among affected workers.

The verdict is connected to a case filed by the Gosei Group, claiming to have acquired the parcel of land from the Lands Commission.

Speaking to Joy News, Eric Arhin, who is the chairman of Zone 13 said they have the legitimate authorization to occupy the land.

“The government and traditional leaders placed an executive instrument on the land. We have since been occupying it. All of a sudden, they are telling us someone has bought the land,” he said.

The aggrieved artisans say they will be deprived of their daily source of income if evacuated. They are calling on the government and appropriate authorities to intervene.

“Where do you want me to get money to fend for myself and family? We plead with leadership to come to our aid. We have SHS and university graduates working here. Where do you want them to work now?

"If they don’t advise themselves, we won’t vote for them,” one of the artisans said.

Meanwhile, leadership at the industrial enclave has assured them of a swift intervention by the government.

“I’m equally a victim of the unfortunate eviction not served to us. But because the case is in court, we have to respect the court. The Vice President will intervene to get this issue resolved for peace to resume in Zone 13. Let’s not do anything that will destabilize peace in Magazine,’’ Kwabena Nsenkyire, a leader, assured.