Mechanics working at the Tamale Industrial Park have raised fears their shops may collapse due to lack of equipment and government support.

Secretary to the Mechanics Workers Union, Musah Hamza, said many mechanic shops at the park are filled with old inefficient machines, adding that the lack of funds has made it difficult for the owners to have the equipment replaced.

According to him, the problem has been compounded by the lack of spare parts, adding, “Most of our stores, which had plenty parts, are now filled with cobwebs”.

Mr Hamza also reproached parents who think the industrial area is meant for school dropouts or retards.

“The most disturbing part of our trade is parents think children who fail Junior High or Senior High schools come to work here. I am telling you, they are wrong. I have been to the Tamale Technical, I know what science can do to me in my workshop, I know what technical drawing can do to me in my workshop, I know what mathematics can do to me in my workshop, so we would be very happy if we get some people outside Ghana to train more on science in this industrial area,” he added.

Mr Hamza believes this will enhance the capacity and knowledge of mechanics working in the Northern Region Industrial Area, which can lead to an improvement in productivity.

He pleaded with government to support the shops at the park to prevent businesses there from collapsing.

For his part, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Alan Kyeremanten, who paid a working visit to the Industrial Area on Wednesday, assured the mechanics that government was implementing policies that fit exactly into their concerns and grievances.

He said that job creation has been the number one priority of the Akufo- Addo administration.

“Because of this, the government has embarked on a comprehensive programme for industrial transformation to create industries and factories all over the country,” he indicated.

Mr Kyerematen was accompanied by Northern Regional Minister Salifu Sa-eed, Tamale mayor Iddrisu Musah Superior and other stakeholders.