The Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) for Sekondi-Takoradi, Capt Anthony Cudjoe (rtd), says the time for peaceful negotiation with the Tanokrom-Kokompe artisans to vacate their current site at Tanokrom is over.

He said the Assembly and the South African investors had exhausted all avenues to impress upon them to vacate, therefore, it would act accordingly within the law.

Capt. Cudjoe told the Ghana News Agency on Wednesday that the artisans had been given enough time to vacate the place because 58 acres of land had been secured for them for their operations.

He stated that when the landowners asked the Assembly to act, it would do so because the land which the artisans are currently occupying had been purchased for the construction of a shopping mall.

“The twin-city is choked, therefore, there is the need for a central location for artisans so that all broken down vehicles could be sent there to ensure free flow of traffic in the metropolis,” Capt. Cudjoe said.

His comment followed the refusal of over 2,000 artisans at Tanokrom-Kokompe in the twin-city to vacate the place after several warnings by the investors and the Assembly.

Reacting to some concerns raised by the artisans including bad road network, poor drainage system, non-availability of market, fire station, police post and other infrastructural facilities, Capt. Cudjoe said, water, electricity and toilet facilities had been provided.

He said when the artisans relocate to the place, the rest of the facilities would be provided in due course.

The MCE said the new site was accessible even though some engineering works needed to be done.

Meanwhile, Mr. Peter Obosu, who is the liaison officer for the South African investors, told the media that the company had spent GHc1.5 million on securing the land for the artisans.

He said the only option left was to secure a court order to eject the artisans from their current site at Tanokrom.