Mechanics abandon Takoradi Kokompe

Many garages at the Light Industrial Area of Kokompe in Takoradi have relocated because of poor business, brought about by poor road network and sanitation in the area.

The Garages Association in the area has been losing most of its members because of the high cost of doing business in the area and this could force banks, Insurance Companies and other businesses operating in the area to relocate as well.

Mr. Joseph Oppong Sarpong, Western Regional Chairman of the Ghana National Association of Garages, told a press conference at the weekend in Takoradi.

He said as a result of the poor patronage, some garages have relocated to unauthorized sites in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, creating environmental problems.

He said a study carried out by the association with support of the Business Sector Advocacy Challenge (BUSAC) Fund, revealed that rehabilitating the road network and improving sanitation amenities would promote business growth at the light industrial area.

In an interview, Mr. Vincent Annan, an accredited service provider of the BUSAC Fund to the association, said the study revealed that there was the need for the local government to resolve the issue of land tenure to enable permanent structures to be developed in the cluster.

He said provision of adequate physical infrastructure is also important for the development of the Micro Small Enterprises in the area.**