MASLOC SCHEME LANCHED IN UPPER WEST (PAGE 20)

ONE hundred and sixty-four groups who engaged in various economic ventures in the Upper West Region have been presented with their cheques under the microfinance and small loans scheme (MASLOC).
The groups, comprising 2,275 individuals, received between GH¢2,500 and GH¢3,000 each.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, which also marked the official launch of the scheme in the region, the Regional Minister, Mr George Hickah Benson, pleaded that the amount allocated to the region should be increased.
He said the demand for microfinance services had been heightened, as a result of the awareness created by MASLOC.
Mr Benson assured the officials of MASLOC that people in the region were hardworking and were poised to take advantage of the opportunities offered them to improve their lives.
“An increase in the MASLOC funds for the region will, therefore, go a long way to drastically reduce poverty in the region,” he stressed.
Mr Benson gave the assurance that the Regional Co-ordinating Council and the district assemblies would assist in whatever way they could to ensure the successful implementation of the programme.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MASLOC, Mr Lawrence Primped, reiterated that the funds were not for any political party.
He advised the beneficiaries to invest the money profitably to enable them to repay the loans on schedule.
The Northern Ghana Zonal Co-ordinator of MASLOC, Mr Stephen Engmen, was happy that the loans would go a long way to improve the lives of the beneficiaries.