The Kpone Association of Engineers engaged in welding and fabrication has raised concerns over the lack of recognition and support for their contributions to the nation.
The group is currently facing eviction from the only space available to them for their welding activities, sparking worry and dissatisfaction among its members.
Skilled Workers Neglected
The dissatisfied members of the Association highlighted that the disregard for skilled workers in Ghana has led to the migration of more than 50 experienced welding and fabrication workers this year alone.
The Association believes that science, technology, engineering, and innovation are crucial for the socio-economic transformation of any country. However, in Africa and Ghana, in particular, the lack of investment in these areas has hindered significant progress.
Contributions Over the Decades
Over the past 50 years, engineers in Ghana have been instrumental in providing road networks, assembling and repairing vehicles and computers, and welding and fabricating fuel tankers and long trailers.
Despite these contributions, the skilled workforce has received little attention, pushing many to seek opportunities abroad.
The Pillar of the Community
Joe Nelson, along with his trainees, has been involved in welding and fabricating fuel tankers around the Kpone Barrier for over 20 years.
Nelson has trained over 50 apprentices during this time. However, they are now facing eviction from the land they have occupied for two decades. Nelson acknowledges that the land does not belong to them, but hopes that the government can regularize their stay.
Artisans in Distress
Artisans, including welders and electricians, conduct their activities in the area. Nelson and his colleagues emphasize that their work ensures fuel tankers are operational daily.
Any attempt to evict them from their current workspace will lead to significant challenges.
A Plea for Government Intervention
The Association is calling on the government to intervene, either by regularizing their stay on the land or by assisting them to secure a permanent place for their welding and fabrication work.
They stress that their role is vital to the nation and should be supported rather than neglected.
The Kpone Association of Engineers Engaged in Welding and Fabrication hopes that their plea will be heard, and the government will take steps to ensure their contributions to the nation are recognized and supported.
By Jospeh Armstrong Gold-Alorgbey
