The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA), with the support of the EU-funded Twin-Cities in Sustainable Partnership Project (TCSPP), has held separate meetings with the artisans in the three Sub Metros of the Assembly, namely Sekondi, Takoradi and the Essikado Ketan, to deliberate on issues of developing a database for revenue collection and capacity building of all artisans operating in the Metropolis. Addressing the artisans, the Public Relations Officer of the Assembly, Mr. John Laste, noted that data is critical in planning and having an updated register of artisans working in the Metropolis is long overdue. He added that the Assembly would issue cards to every artisan in an impending data collection exercise in line with plans to identify those not paying their business operating permits. Mr. Laste indicated that the Artisanal fee is not a new revenue item but is currently paid by a few shop owners, adding that the essence of the exercise is to ensure all artisans working within the jurisdiction of the Assembly pay their annual business operating permit.

He explained that the building inspectors will inspect both building permits and artisans’ operational licences beginning January 2025, adding that the Assembly intends to fish out non-card holders and encourage them to register with the Assembly. Mr. John Laste further noted that the benefits of being recognised by the Assembly far outweigh the rates the Assembly charges artisans. He further pointed out that master artisans would register all their trainees and periodically update their details after their apprenticeship. He hinted that periodic training on new technologies to enhance their work was something the Assembly is endeared to and encouraged them to form associations to ensure regular engagement with the Assembly through their executives. During the open forum, an artisan inquired about trainees who do not exhaust their mandatory sessions but leave along the line when they master some skills. To this, the PRO explained that such a master should not waste time to update their records with the Assembly