PURC CALLS ON UTILITY SERVICES TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION

The Public Relations officer of the Public Utility and Regulatory Commission (PURC) Nana Yaa Jantuah is calling on the 3 utility suppliers-(ECG, GRIDCO, VRA) to communicate better in resolving load shedding issues. She stated that if the 3 companies improve their communication with the publics, the people would understand their duties and responsibilities better. Nana Yaa Jantuah said it has been difficult for the utility companies to differentiate between load shedding and technical faults as explanation to recent nationwide blackout. She was commenting on the 6 nationwide blackouts that hit the country in Dec 7, Jan 21, Feb 26, Feb 29, March 7 and March 21. Meanwhile, Alhaji Jango of the ECG stated his outfit will improve their communication with the public so that they will better appreciate the duties of the company. He says the ECG has supply 6,000 new connections to the rural areas to improve electricity in the hinterlands. Alhaji Jango noted that the lack of effectiveness of streets naming in Accra and other areas makes it difficult for them to address electrical faults. He therefore called on authorities to address streets naming in the country. Alhaji Jango also blamed telecom companies for trending on their underground cables that supply electricity. He called on authorities to address the situation.

Y. & W INDUSTRIAL GHANA: GHANA’S LEADING NAME IN uPVC

Y & W Industrial Gh. Ltd the leading name in high quality uPVC Windows and Doors in different shapes and designs in the West African Sub region. All products meet European standard and have a long life span, making one of the sort after products on the markets. They also have quality security doors and Garage doors. Our security doors are unique because with the effect of sun and rain the paint is like your car paint. The paint for all the doors does not change. They also deal in particular security doors with mosquito net and burglarproof for free ventilation. The China- base company has the professionals who are reliable and trustworthy to fix your uPVC doors, windows and aluminum ceiling with new designs and styles within the expected time. Other high quality products from Y. & W. Industrial Limited includes uPVC Arc Windows, Rolling Mosquito net doors, uPVC projected Windows, Sliding windows with mosquito net, Open windows with rolling mosquito net, uPVC half board, half glass doors. There is a saying that, seeing is believing. With Y. & W. Industrial limited products seeing is more than believing because they have quality products, but affordable price for each and every clients. They also offer Single and double glassing as well as office partitions with high quality Stainless steel burglarproof. Y & W Industrial Gh. Ltd customers include William Pitt, churches offices private homes and industries. Due to the quality of products for the specifically for the African Markets, the company products is preferred in Togo and neigbouring sister West African countries. Interestingly, materials are from their own factory in Ghana and fabricated therefore customers can have their products at their specification (custom -made). Y. & W. Industrial Limited located at the Marble House, South Industrial Area behind Toyota Gh. Ltd, Adjacent Zenith Bank Gh. The company offers free installation of their products for customers in and around Accra. Y. & W. Industrial Limited was established in Hong Kong in 1978. After years of growth, the company now has two factories in mainland China, which have more than 50,000 staff of usable plant area and a workforce of over 600. Story: Samuel Mantey Email: sammyoo3@yahoo.com

MULTI-CONCEPT LIMITED: HELPING TO REDUCE GHANA’S HOUSING DEFICIT

The Chief Executive Officer of Multi-Concept limited, Mr. Teodoro Martinez Montero, Real Estate Company says government effort to reduce the housing deficit will be a mirage if it fails to provide loans with low interest for individuals to purchase a home. The 79 year old Spanish citizen who has over 54 years of experience on field construction development stressed that providing essential subsidies for public and private individuals housing needs would help them to provide their own homes. Mr. Teodoro Martinez Montero tells Property Express that there are no affordable houses in the country. He explained that the term ‘affordable housing’ depends on the location, production and finishing of the house. Mr. Montero introduced the concept of private sector estate development in the 1970s to compliment government housing estates with the launching of the REDCO concept in joint venture with Bank for Housing and Construction. According to him, Multi-Concept Limited (MCL) has been established to construct residential communities with built-in social amenities such as commercial, recreational, educational, clinic / health and essential security services including the provision of regulated and substantially free maintenance of environmental and common facilities associated with the residential units. Currently, Multi-Concept limited is working on the “Legonman Multi-Concept Courts” Estate Project, which comprises 6 Courts is situated at approximately 0.5km from the Northern boundary of the land of University of Ghana, Legon, Accra. With each block having a standby generator, lift, continuous independent water supply system, and centralized sanitation management, the prices for the initial 120 two-bedroom apartments are in the range of $60,000.00 and $75,000.00. Mr. Teodoro Martinez Montero said company’s housing developments are targeted at middle to upper middle and higher end priced apartments and a few exclusively deluxe bungalows. He disclosed that the “Legonman Multi-Concept Courts” Estate Project will be completed by September this year. Touching on the challenges in the Real Estate Industry, the Madridista cited land litigation and improper documentation as the major challenges that drive potential developers off the industry. Mr. Teodoro Martinez Montero advised Ghanaians to start saving now to own a house in the long term. He said if they continue to look up to the government they might feel disappointed therefore they should start saving for tomorrow. Mr. Montero has owned and managed several companies in Spain and Ghana. Starting as an assistant manager in his father´s metallurgical factory in Spain, he later served as the Managing Director of EDISOL Sl, the Chief Executive Officer of OBRATECSA (Spain), and the Managing Director of TECNICAS DE MULTICONSTRUCCION, SA in Spain. He also established and managed in Ghana a pineapple plantation, the Coin Farms since 1981. The Coin Farm was renamed Horizon Farms and expanded; it got the Ghana National Farmers Award in 2001. He has also been the CEO of Coordination and Development on Engineering & Architectural Projects in Ghana since 1992. Story: Samuel Mantey, Property Express Email: sammyoo3@yahoo.com Twitter: SamuelMantey

EDLORM BUILDING GHANAS AFFORDABLE HOME

Edlorm Housing (GH.) Limited established in June 1993 as a Building Construction and Civil Engineering Company is now one of Ghanas biggest Real Estate Developers. Apart from the long lasting quest of the directors to be in the building industry, the company was set up to help solve the Constructional needs in Ghana, and also to create jobs for some of the many unemployed in the country The company since its inception 15 years ago has worked with some notable institutions such as: the Internal Revenue Service, the Ministry of Education, Electricity Company of Ghana, Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and Ghana Water Company Limited building and renovating many of their offices and bungalows. The Sales Executive of Edlorm Housing (GH) Richard Kweku Adu tells Property Express that the challenges have been with the procurement of funds and loans to commence projects. Being careful not to be over reliant on Government projects, Edlorm Housing took the initiative to obtain projects from the Private sector, whiles reaching out to Ghanaians living abroad to meet their housing needs back home as well. For this category, they pre-finance their building projects. According to him, if the financial institutions promptly support the real estate with enough funds then with anticipation the housing deficit of about 1.8 million can be reduced. Commenting on other challenges in the thriving Real Estate Industry, Mr. Richard Kweku Adu stated that land litigation and documentation hinders the process of work for developers. Due to expansion to other towns and villages across the length and breath of the country, installing electricity and water has been a problem to them, Mr. Adu lamented. He advised the youth to save to buy a house if they can rather than renting an apartment which might be expansive in the long term. Adding that owing a home is like a treasure. With the decision to go into real estate development, Elorm Housing has started by putting up executive buildings both in Weija and in East Legon Accra. Overlooking the Exotic Presidential Lodge at Peduasi, Edlorm Villas is a gated community with over 300 houses located at Amranhia, about 8 minutes drive from the Adenta. story: Samuel Mantey Email: sammyoo3@yahoo.com

AFRICAN HOUSING: GHANA’S HIDDEN ECO-FRIENDLY HOME

Relax all year round in a home that embraces nature. A home that keeps you cool in dry season, warm in wet season and everything you want in between. A home that blends indoor and outdoor living, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds. A home that appreciate the natural environment in an enclosed cave. And best of all, a home that's built on answers, not questions. At African Housing in Ayi-Mensah in the Eastern Region, Mr. Kofi Asante-Okyere said they have combined eco-friendly and architectural designs to create the 'green' home. Situated just across the Peduase Lounge, Mr. Kofi Asante-Okyere says although new technologies are constantly being developed to complement current practices in creating greener structures; the common objective is that green buildings appreciate the use of environment for human health. He told Property Express that if human fails to appreciate natural phenomenon in providing shelter, very soon prosperity will judge us. Mr. Kofi Asante-Okyere who have been in business for more than 20 years lamented that though Ghanaians spent more time outside their homes, they pay more attention to interior designs while ignoring the environment they live. He express his displeasure in the continuous use of land reserved as green belts been develop for housing and other infrastructure. Mr. Kofi Asante-Okyere whose properties include more than 20 housing clusters on the mountain recommended that eco-housing reduces waste, pollution and environmental degradation. According to him, the housing clusters do not include gutters since the rains steep flows on the mountains and with the use of eco-system, constructing gutters will not be necessary. Asked how waste is degenerated, the reserved estate developer said all waste goes back to the ground and recycled. He told Property Express, that prospective home owners usually develop their dream home plan and they build the houses for them using their eco-friendly materials. Already, the African Housing in Ayi-Mensah can boost of botanical gardens and eco-friendly security. Commenting on the challenges in the Real Estate Industry, Mr. Kofi Asante-Okyere pointed out that government should leave the construction of facilities in the hands of the individuals. He said if government continuous involving in construction, the country will see less development because government might not be able to complete project and the next government may refuse to fund the project. Mr. Kofi Asante-Okyere lamented government use of foreign Estate Developers at the expense of the locally capable ones in the country. He said Ghanaians are the only people that can build the country because they know the problems best. Story: Samuel Mantey, Property Express Email: sammyoo3@yahoo.com Twitter: SamuelMantey

CPP CONGRESS IS NOT TOO LATE

The Convention People’s Party (CPP) says their National Delegates Congress slated on May 12 is not too late ahead of the December presidential and parliamentary polls.
The Deputy Communication Director of the CPP, Ernest Yeboah stated that the delay is part of their strategies to win in the December elections.
Citing the US as an example, Ernest Yeboah noted that the Republicans have not elected a candidate to compete with Democrats Barack Obama in their November elections, therefore the CPP congress is not long over due, he added.
According to him, the CPP have the best candidates vying to be elected as the next President in 2013.
Ernest Yeboah expressed his confidence in the CPP chances in the elections, explaining that the though some of their members have cross carpet to other political parties, the CPP still holds the radar as the next party to win in the elections.
He emphasized that Ghanaians are tired and exhausted with the ‘games and insults’ exhibited by the NDC and the NPP.
Commenting on the May 12 congress, he said 11 delegates each from the 230 constituencies would attend the congress.
Two candidates, Mr. Bright Akwetey and Dr Abu Sakara Foster, are contesting for the flagbearership slot.
Story: Samuel Mantey

This Road Leads to No where!

It doesn’t matter how good and tarred a road is, if it doesn’t lead to a good destination, you will surely get lost at the end. Proverbs 16: 25 say ‘There is a way that seems right unto a man, but in the end it leads to death.
Over the few days, I have been reading about the story of David ‘the psalmist’. As a shepherd, God had anointed him to be the next of Israel. He was made the King at the age of 30 and ruled Israel for 40 years.
God loved David very much because of his faithfulness and trust in him. Indeed, Jesus Christ was from the line of David. This depicts the relationship God had with King David.
Though David had favor and grace from God, he made one mistake which changed his life, his family and the future.
Relationship with Bathsheba
David's adultery with Bathsheba was a sin of passion, a sin of the moment that overtook him, but his sin of having Uriah killed was a premeditated crime that was deliberate and disgraceful.
Their story is told in 2 Samuel 11 and 12, set against the backdrop of David's war against the Ammonites. For no reason David was not at the battlefield with the army. King David was relaxing on a palace above the city when he spied a beautiful woman taking a bath. Through his messengers, David learned that she was Bathsheba, wife of Uriah the Hittite, who had gone to battle for David.
‘The Devil finds work for the idea hands’. If David had been at the battlefield he probably would have escape the temptations of Bathsheba.
Bathsheba could not have rejected King David’s offer to have sexual intercourse with her. After all, David was the King and as such refusal to obey his orders can spell doom for her.
Sometimes we need to stay foot for Christ instructions rather than directions from men. If Bathsheba had rejected David, she would have save David and his household as well as saving her marriage. Instead, she went to David of her own free will, and thus bears some responsibility for what happened afterward.
But David cannot be ignorant of his actions because he found out that;
1. Bathsheba was a married woman
2. Bathsheba’s husband Uriah the Hittite, had gone to battle for him.

Nonetheless, David and Bathsheba engaged in sexual intercourse, and she returned home. But Bathsheba was cleaning herself after her menstrual period when she had an affair with David. The biblical text stated that Bathsheba was pregnant for David. King David had tried to cover up his affair by arranging Uriah to sleep with his wife on two occasions but did not work. With his instructions, David had Uriah killed at battlefield to save him from disgrace.
Most times we try to cover up sin with sin. David had committed adultery (sin), he then arrange for Uriah to be killed in the battlefield (murder) to save his reputation. We should be careful with our decisions we take because they can make and unmake us.
A year later, God instructed Prophet Nathan to reveal David secret act of adultery and murder. God always give us the room to repent and seek his grace. Interestingly, David had not noticed God was angry with him. He had disobeyed two of the Ten Commandment-: Thou shall not commit adultery and Thou Shall Kill.
Proverbs 6: 32 says But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacked understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
King David admitting his actions and regretting his decision prayed for God’s forgiveness. When we admit our flaws and weakness, God is ready to strengthen us. But though God forgave David his sins, David was to face the consequences. We should never forget that we reap what we sow therefore, we are accountable to the consequences of our actions.

The punishment
Though King David had committed adultery and murder in secret, his punishments was in the open. Just as we receive the blessing of God in the open, in the same way we get the punishment for rejecting his commandments in the open.
David doesn't get away with it as far as keeping his dirty little secret. He certainly can't keep it a secret from God. And God won't let David get away with it either. Even God's chosen one, King David, had spiritual weaknesses.
The Lord raised evil against David’s own house, and told him that his children will sleep with his wives before his eyes, and would give them to his neighbours, and they shall lie with his wives in the sight of this sun. Arguable this is a toughest punishment God has directed to David.
The sword did not depart from the king's household, and his wives were taken and violated just as he had taken Bathsheba. Indeed, David did pay four-fold, for Bathsheba's baby died, and his sons Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah were slain. David's beautiful daughter Tamar was raped by her half brother, and David's concubines were humiliated publicly by Absalom when he captured the kingdom. Because of Absalom's rebellion, David was forced to flee Jerusalem and live in the wilderness.
For the rest of David's lifetime, he experienced one tragedy after another, either in his family or in the kingdom. What a price he paid for those few minutes of passion with his neighbor's wife!

Lesson
Do not be deceived. Though we don't face a death penalty like times of old, we DO experience consequences for adultery and fornication. Any action that leaves God out risk ending badly.

By: Samuel Mantey
s.mantey.blogspot.com
Twitter: SamuelMantey
Email: sammyoo3@yahoo.com

BRIBES LEAD IN BORDER CRIME- WORLD BANK

Bribery and Corruption along the border regions continues to be the leading risk by traders in cross- border trading, a World Bank survey shows how African countries are losing on billions of dollars in potential trade earnings.
A typical account of everyday conditions is provided by an egg and sugar seller in Rwanda. She narrated that ‘I buy my eggs in Rwanda as soon as soon as I cross to Congo I give one egg to every official who ask me. Some days I give away more than 30 eggs’.
Addressing the Challenges in Ghana-Nigeria Trade relations to strengthen ECOWAS, the World Bank 2011 Survey indicates that bribes toped with 85 percent followed by Fines 60%, acts of violence, threats and sexual harassment 54%,Confiscation of goods 38%, rude behaviors, verbal abuse and insults 38% and Long waits 19% followed in that order.
The World Bank Country Director, Mr Yusupha B. Crookes says these high trade barriers leads to regional fragmentation which deprives the continent of new sources of economic growth, new jobs and sharply falling poverty.
He says the lack of implementation of ECOWAS commitment in the region has led to the continuous practice of trade barriers.

‘Steps to facilitate trade’


The World Bank survey called on policy makers to reduce the number of agencies and an increase in transparency at the borderlines. Adding that the lack of transparency and consistency in the application of trade rules constrain trade borders. The Immigration, Customs, Health and Hygiene and Quality control of goods should be the only agents at the border areas, he stated.
The WB called for an increased in professionalism of officials and greater gender awareness. The survey recommended the increase in the number of female border officials is an important step. It says more women at the border may reduce sexual crimes. The WB called for an enhanced training of officials on border crossing.

‘Ghana’s effort’
The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Dr. Joseph Samuel Annan says the government will resort to regional dialogue in the implementation of free movement at the borders.
He stated that plans are far advance to lift the technical and political barriers along the borders in the sub-region. Dr J.S Annan address participates at the workshop said a joint commission made up representatives from the various West African Countries will meet to tackle regional barriers.
Commenting on the implementation of the ECOWAS Card, Dr J S Annan noted that due to the political instability in some of the West African states, the commission has decided to put on hold the ECOWAS Card free movement policy. According to him, when the region has resolve to political instability in Mali, Guinea-Bissau and other areas they will implement the ECOWAS Card free movement policy.

Story: Samuel Mantey, Property Express
email: sammyoo3@yahoo.com
Twitter: SamuelMantey

My Landlord!

“Landlording and long-term investing go hand-in hand. Being a landlord isn’t for everyone, but if you have the right personality and decision making skills then it’s a snap.”-Christopher Smith, Equity Scout

Some years back when there were fewer men occupying the earth, land was not a commodity for sale rather, people build and farm where they feel appropriate. But things have change; now the land, house and even farm are for sale.
It’s was about 2am midnight one Saturday when I heard the sound of my door opening, I immediately rush to the entrance only to get the shock of my life. My landlord was introducing a new tenant to occupy my already occupied apartment with two years left on my contract.
This is the story of Nana Yaa, a tenant in Accra. Her story is one of the many of the untold stories of how some landlords are treating tenants at their homes.
Landlord is fast becoming a profession rather than privilege; young men and women are relying on their parents’ inheritance and making money. They describe their newly found ‘love’- Real Estate!
I went round speaking to people about their experiences with their landlords.

The Good
Kofi, married with two children in Tema said his landlord came over for inspection, went through their food items, telling them what was unhealthy. He told them what kind of food they should prepared and the type of spices needed. He said sharing the electricity meter with the landlord is like ‘putting ones hands in the fire’. The landlord demands full payment of the bill from him.
James in Nungua got a call from his daughter (14 years old) that there were some grown men using their bath house. James came home to found out it was their landlord’s grandson and his friends using their bathhouse without permission. James said he has never met them and frankly don’t want them near his daughter.
Gloria lives in Spintex recalled that her (land lady) was older, widowed and had vision problems. She did help her with trips to the store, market, taking the trash out and cleaning up the room. Gloria even cooked to take to her. At the end, the landlord told her she had doubled the price of the rent and that the apartment has been given out to other applicants if she cannot pay the 100 percent increment.

The Bad
Afua lives in Kumasi narrated that the Landlord puts up a new rent fee immediately the government increase the price of fuel. She says though the Landlord lives with them in a compound house, she refused to pay utility bills and the rotational house cleaning.
Dennis had just got a new job in Sekondi as a teacher. He managed to get a two bedroom apartment for his family. His landlord seemed to be a nice gentleman but after 6 month the landlord locked the toilet for further use. He told me that his landlord asked him to pay a weekly amount for him to get access to the toilet.
Kwesi a father of 4 from Sunyani said his landlord won't allow him to have a cat and dog in the compound house! He says that cats and dogs eat birds (Chicks) and he likes chicken better, so he is forced to rear poultry.

The Ugly
Seth rented a two bedroom apartment in the middle of Accra in 1997. According to him, it was a very lovely place with a staircase and a good location to his workplace. His 'landlady' seemed to be a cool lady at first. The ‘Landlady’ told him she was in law school. Turns out she was a prostitute who entertained a lot of customers, almost every night. The ‘Landlady’ told him that he will be using his other bedroom for studies every night. It turns out to be the venue to entertain her ‘guests’.
A landlord was arrested over the death of a tenant after he evicted him at 1:00a.m in Sefwi-Buako in the Brong 'Ahafo Region.
The landlord had asked his in-law, who was the driver, to convey the belongings of the victim to wherever he wished to go. The landlord killed the tenant after he protested over the ungodly hour he was been evicted.
At Nima, a 40-year-old man was arrested for allegedly raping a 12-year-old daughter of a tenant. The landlord was reported to have been sleeping with the girl for about a year now.


Lesson
I agree that there are bad tenants but that still does not give landlords the right to treat good tenants like they are scum of the earth. By now tenants should learn Landlord-Tennant laws and regulations to prevent any future uncertainties with Landlords.


By Samuel Mantey, Property Express
Email: sammyoo3@yahoo.com/ pejournalist1@yahoo.co.uk
Twitter: SamuelMantey