19 August 2008
The Eastern Regional Coordinating Council and the New Juaben Municipal Assembly have initiated moves towards finding a solution to complaints by beads producers in the region.
The producers complain that they are not being recognized, despite being a major source of economic activity in the region.
Mr. Kwadwo Affram-Asiedu, the Regional Minister and Nana Akwasi Adjei Boateng, the New Juaben Municipal Chief Executive, were on hand at the weekly Thursday beads market at the Jackson's Park in Koforidua to start what they hoped would lead to fruitful dialogue towards resolving the problems raised by the complaints.
The beads producers had complained about not being given recognition in spite of the fact that their trade is the magnet that attracts tourists and the source of employment for hundreds of people in the New Juaben, Yilo Krobo and Manya Krobo districts in the region.
They are demanding the construction of permanent structures as current arrangement only enable them to trade their wares on Thursday in temporary facilities that are at the mercy of the weather.
Interacting with a section of dealers, Mr. Affram Asiedu called for a frank exchange of ideas between the government and the association to help address their concerns, as the state appreciates the role of the cultural sector in the economic drive of the country.
He said serious efforts would be made towards completing a cultural village whose construction started more than 40 years ago to give the sellers the recognition they were seeking.
Nana Adjei Boateng spoke of proposals to develop a new multi-purpose market centre for the municipality, which shall take into account the concerns of the traders.
Mr. Alhassan Mohammed, President of the Eastern Beads Association, told the GNA that the association will embrace ideas being put forward to move the bead trade beyond its current rudimentary stage to enhance the economic fortunes of the region.
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