Akim Oda (E/R) Dec 09, GNA – The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) has given soft loans totalling GH¢3,161,500.00 to 599 affected persons of the fire disaster that consumed Akim Oda main market this year.
The 599 registered affected persons are to access the loan from the GCB Bank, Akim Oda Branch.
On September 13, 2021, at about 20:50 hours, a fire broke out in Akim Oda main market, destroying wares and other property, but there was no casualty.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during a visit to the scene in October assured the affected persons of the government’s financial support and that measures were underway to reconstruct the market.
The GEA and the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre are responsible for disbursing loans to small businesses.
The first phase of support to the fire victims targeted sellers of foodstuffs, vegetables, and other perishable goods and was done by MASLOC.
The second phase issued out by the GEA was for those using industrial machines, provision sellers, and clothing sellers.
The Ghana Enterprises Agency formerly known as the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) is an Agency established to help promote the development of Medium Small and Micro Enterprises at the Municipal level through the provision of business development services.
Madam Kosi Antwiwaa Yankey-Ayeh, the Chief Executive Officer of GEA, addressing the traders in Akim Oda, advised them to utilize the funds to rebuild their businesses.
She said during this Yuletide, people buy a lot of items for all kinds of events, so the investment in businesses at this time would help earn a lot of income to grow their businesses.
Mr Alexander Akwasi Acquah, Member of Parliament for Akim Oda Constituency, charged the beneficiaries to use the funds for fruitful ventures and said GEA would follow up to monitor their activities.
“Whoever uses it judiciously will get the heavier amount the next time,” he said.
According to the Ghana National Fire Service, lack of access to the market, was the cause of the destruction of property during the fire outbreak.
It said reconstruction needed to be in a way that vehicles could have easy access while creating enough space for traders to operate.
Source: Ghana News Agency
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