Why artisans fail to flourish in Ghana?

A study space I long for. Source: not known

In the middle of August 2014, I moved into a new apartment. I decided to engage the services of a carpenter who would make new furniture for me.

I was fortunate to 'accidentally' meet one at my house. He had come to deliver a set of beautifully crafted furniture to my neighbour.

We got talking -- an negotiating.

He was to make a couple of trap doors, and a study table with chairs.

Delivery was to be expected in a month.

This transaction took place in the second week of September.

On the 20th September, I paid 50% of the TOTAL amount.

I got my trap doors in the second week of October, but the table has STILL not been delivered.

Truth is, he has not even started it!

I wonder how our 'local' artisans are going to expand their businesses, when their work ethics is this bad. I've been in touch with this carpenter from the word go, but have only been getting flimsy excuses.

I just realised he'd actually taken a number of jobs and is finding it difficult meeting deadlines.

Greed.

I feel bad for him though because other neighbours of mine would want him to make stuff for them, but they have second thoughts.

Why can't we just take things as they come? Taking them one day at a time?

Hmm.