The government through the Microfinance and Small Loan Center (MASLOC) has disbursed about One million cedis to victims of the fire outbreak that ravaged Akyem Oda Central Market on September 13, 2021. The beneficiaries numbering about 500 received Ghc2,000 interest-free loans each.
The Chief Executive Officer of MASLOC, Mrs Abibata Shanni Mahama Zakariah said to make it more flexible for the traders, President Akufo Addo directed that repayment of the loan must start after a year. She said those who honour their repayment obligation may qualify for a bigger loan offer from the centre.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong underscored the vital role traders play in stimulating the local economy. He urged the beneficiaries to endeavour to pay back the loan to enable others to benefit in times of similar distress.
The Minister commended former Member of Parliament for the area Yaw Osafo Marfo and the current MP Alexander Akwasi Acquah who were present, for their relentless efforts to bring this financial intervention to fruition.
In October this year, President Akufo visited the ravaged Oda market and met with market women to commiserate with them.
He assured that government will construct a modern market at Akyem Oda for the community. The President stated that the Ghana Enterprises Agency and MASLOC had been instructed to provide financial assistance to the affected traders to resiliently bounce back to business.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Kojo Ansah
