The Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) has provided soft loans amounting to Gh¢1,902,000, to support a total of 1,902 market women in Accra whose goods were destroyed in the floods that hit Accra on June 3.
This was through the intervention of the First Lady, Mrs Lordina Mahama. an undisclosed number are also in line to receive similar support in the coming weeks.
The first disbursement of Gh¢1,443,000.00 went to 1,116 market women in three markets namely Mallam, Odawna and the 31st December about two weeks ago.
Beneficiaries
The beneficiaries, from four markets, were 176 women in Anyaa Market who received Gh¢181, 500; 118 women in Lapaz New Market received Gh¢333,100; 161 from the Chantan Market received Gh¢232,500 and 161 in the Achimota Market, Gh¢292, 800.
Making the presentations to beneficiaries at separate ceremonies, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MASLOC, Mrs Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, said the intervention followed a promise the First Lady made to the women when she visited some of the markets in the aftermath of the flood.
She said another batch of women were in line to receive similar support soon.
The facility carries an interest of two per cent and beneficiaries have been given a three months grace period to start repayment, which is spread over 12 months.
Disbursement
Disbursement was carried out through a microfinance company which opened accounts for the women through which the monies were paid.
Mrs Attionu encouraged the women to make good use of the funds so they could take care of their families and also pay back.
The Deputy CEO of MASLOC, Mr Mustapha Abubakar, said the decision to support the women was also in line with the government’s objective of empowering women to make them financially independent.
A board member of MASLOC, Mrs Victoria Kuma Mintah, urged the women to take their activities seriously.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Owusuaa Ocansey, the Financial Secretary of the Anyaa Market Traders Association, thanked the First Lady and MASLOC for coming to their aid.
Source: Graphic.com.gh
