Business News of Tuesday, 8 March 2005

Source: GNA

Estate Development Company opens office in Ghana

Accra, March 8, GNA - CGR West Africa, a leading international estate development company, on Tuesday opened its West Africa Sub-Regional Office in Accra.

The Company, which uses "wallform" building technology, which is twin walled expanded polystyrene panels that are built to create the walls, would use Accra as a hub to expand its services to other West African countries.

Mr Bill Shotton, Executive Director, CGR UK, said the Company was influenced by the Ghana Government's commitment to the development of the Private Sector.

CGR West Africa is a collaborative venture between the United States, United Kingdom and Ghanaian partners. He said the Company would by October 2005 establish a manufacturing plant in Ghana to produce building materials locally for the delivery of affordable housing.

Mr Shotton said the Company had trained enough Ghanaian staff on the use of the technology that would enable them to deliver houses within two days.

Besides, the Company had also involved some architectural firms to help clients with the design of the buildings.

Mrs Mary Carlin Yates, US Ambassador to Ghana, pledged her Government's commitment to support such entrepreneurial initiatives. Mrs Beckie J. Pendergrass, CGR Africa Director, said the initiative would not only deliver affordable housing but also help create jobs for the youth.