The Assessment of the Blacksmithing Industry in Ghana (A Case Study of Suame Magazine, Kumasi)

Abstract

The blacksmithing industry has been in existence for a long time, it offers employment to many people in, Ghana. The industry plays a major role in the socio-economic development of the country through the servicing of vehicles, carpentry, household, agricultural implements etc. Inspite of its contribution to the society, it has not made much impact to national development due to some challenges. This study assesses the performance of the blacksmithing industry of Suame Magazine in Kumasi, Ghana with respect to its designs, methods of production and nature of services provided. The descriptive method under the qualitative method of research which uses observation and interview was adopted to analyze and interpret data gathered. A simple random sampling technique was used to solicit for information and a structured interview and observation was used as data collection instruments. The study confirmed the industry’s positive contribution to socio-economic development of the country. It was however revealed that the quality of their product design was not only low, but almost non-existent and the industry still depended on old methods of production, thus affecting it. Possible recommendations include; liking the industry with academic institutions like KNUST and Polytechnics to help assist it upgrade its methods of production, provision of financial assistance by financial institutions and NGOs in the form of credit facilities which could help the industry contribute its quota effectively to national development.

Keywords:Blacksmithing, designs, products, forging, fabrication, apprentice