Atonsu Angola: Mini Millers and Sellers Union swear to defend trading ground

Mini Millers and Sellers Union at Atonsu Angola are calling on the Government of Ghana and His Royal Majesty, the Overlord of Asanteman, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to intervene in their evacuation fight against Jute Mills Ghana Limited if not, thousands of lives will be rendered jobless.

The Union which consists of over 3,000 members and includes; Carpenters, T&G manufacturers, Tomato Box makers amongst others have received a letter which was dated 1st June 2021, signed by the General Manager of Jute Mills Ghana Limited, Mr Adem Gariba roaring at them to vacate their working place.

According to the Organizer of this Union, Mr George Tawiah, they have been given another place to relocate yet the litigation matters on that land is disturbing therefore if the country’s authorities do not intervene, the worst could happen as they are ready to defend the current fixed grounds.

“We have been here for so many years. The former Assemblyman here, Nana Butler, provided us with this place since 1996.

"This was because thieves and wee smokers had turned the place into hunting grounds. Our occupation helped to calm the community and created employment for others also.

Today posters have been filed notifying us to evacuate this land. We are processors of waste forest materials; T&G, tomato boxes, mirror frames, mechanics are also here, casual workers, even people who formerly engaged in galamsey have settled and acquired jobs here. Our service earns the country lots of foreign exchange. Why is this affecting us today?" he asked.

Mr George Tawiah recalled that during the time when former President John Agyekum Kufuor was relocating woodworkers from Anloga Junction, he made sure to provide them with the Wood Village at Anloga therefore if it is their turn to give up their place of trade, they expect same.

“That is our service to the nation and we have almost 3000 workers occupying this site. Even if this land has been sold, why can’t authorities locate us to better places because we pay tax? Such is what President Kufuor did for the people of Anloga.

"We are not objecting to their decision but our concern is that they must provide us a suitable place. We will defend this land until a better place is given."

A female trader passionately told Soireenews reporter, Isaac Owusu, that the pronouncement of their exodus from the grounds was not done out of respect rather, Jute Mills Ghana Limited should have considered their efforts in improving the place instead of vacating them without a valid notice.

“This is where I get my daily bread in catering for my children,” she said.

“This is unexpected and it will have a negative impact on a whole lot of lives. We are begging the president and leaders of this country that we cannot resist their decision but they should find a better place for us to occupy.

"The allocated land has a lot of litigation issues and yesterday, they brought a grader to clear it.

“What kind of governance is this? Is the government really interested in our welfare? He should please consider the service we provide and help us.”