The Obuasi Municipal Assembly (OMA) is set to collaborate with the TCC International Center for Innovation, Manufacturing, Technology Transfer, and Entrepreneurship (TCC-CIMET) to establish the Obuasi Magazine.
Modeled after Kumasi’s Suame Magazine, the Obuasi Magazine will create a dedicated community where mechanics can operate businesses, engage in transactions, and build a vibrant ecosystem of skilled artisans and service providers.
During a cooperation and study visit to TCC-CIMET, the Municipal Chief Executive of Obuasi, Hon. Faustilove Appiah Kannin, announced that the Assembly had already secured resources to support the project.
“We are working to establish the Obuasi Magazine on a large parcel of land acquired for this initiative. The vision is to bring all mechanics together in one designated area where they can create a thriving community, offering services such as vehicle repairs and related trades.
“This centralized location will also make it easier to organize capacity-building initiatives for them. We are excited about the prospects of this project and look forward to strong partnerships to make it a reality,” she said.
TCC-CIMET, a UNESCO Category II Centre of Excellence in engineering education, STEM and TVET promotion, livelihood empowerment, and entrepreneurship, pledged full support for the initiative.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, the Director-General of TCC-CIMET, Prof. Francis Davis, said the project could build on the experiences of Suame Magazine to achieve even greater success.
“We are ready to work with you to make this initiative a success. Suame Magazine already exists, and by studying both its strengths and challenges, we can create something even better for Obuasi, avoiding the mistakes of the past.
“We are committed to collaborating with you in designing the Obuasi Magazine and supporting master craftsmen with training in modern automobile technologies. Many may not be familiar with advanced vehicle systems such as ignition technologies, but this is not their fault — it is our responsibility as decision-makers to help upgrade their knowledge to meet current realities,” he said.
The initiative forms part of OMA’s broader collaboration with TCC-CIMET to strengthen capacity building, promote innovation, and create sustainable employment in the municipality.
Development Planning Officer of the Assembly, Mr. Prince Owusu Agyemang, emphasized the need for structured guidance in implementing the project.
“As a first step, we propose that you provide us with an indication of the number of artisans we can begin with, so we can engage them and select their leaders. Through this process, we will be able to conscientize them and inspire confidence in the initiative we are about to launch,” he said.
The meeting featured several presentations, including the “Golden City” concept by Prof. Alexander Boakye Marful, educational strategies for STEM and TVET by Dr. Eric Osei Opoku, IoT and information technology initiatives by Dr. Oliner Kornyo, and livelihood empowerment through soapmaking by Mrs. Agnes Oppong.
The delegation later toured the Technology Transfer and Production Unit at Suame Magazine, led by Mr. Donald Amrago.
On behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francis Davis expressed appreciation to the Assembly for renovating the KNUST Obuasi Campus Library.
