The Microfinance and Small Loans Scheme (MASLOC) has disbursed GH¢ 1,443,000.00 in soft loans to 1,116 market women in three markets in Accra whose wares were destroyed during the June 3 floods.
The women operated in the Mallam, Odawna and 31st December markets.
It followed the intervention of the First Lady, Dr Lordina Mahama, who had earlier visited the markets to ascertain the damage caused by the flood and sympathised with the traders.
During the visit, the First Lady assured the market women of immediate support to enable them to continue with their businesses.
The Chief Executive Officer of MASLOC, Mrs Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, presented cheques for the money to the beneficiaries last Wednesday.
Two separate cheques for GH¢ 265,400.00 and GH¢ 156,600.00 respectively, totalling GH¢ 422,000.00 went to 332 of the women who operated in the Mallam Market A and B.
At Makola,she presented a cheque for GH¢ 255,600.00 to 177 women and at the Odawna Novotel 1 and 2, Odawna Shopping Mall and Odawna Peace Market, 607 market women received GH¢ 273,900.00, GH¢ 236,700.00, GH¢ 145,800.00 and GH¢ 109,000.00 respectively, totalling GH¢ 765,400.00.
The beneficiaries were given a two-month grace period to start repayment and it was all joy from the market women as the cheques were presented to them.
Mrs Attionu said the government had women at heart and would continue to support them in times of need to enable them to continue with their lawful businesses.
She said the government was doing a lot to improve the lives of the people in the areas of health, roads, water, education and agriculture, among others. She entreated the women to ensure the prompt repayment of the loans.
The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to President Mahama, the First Lady and MASLOC for coming to their aid at the time they had no hope and assured of prompt repayment.
MASLOC is a body responsible for implementing the Government of Ghana’s (GoG) microfinance programmes targeted at reducing poverty, creating jobs and wealth.
Source: ghanaweb
