The Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) has begun the disbursement of GHC2 million to some 3,000 traders who got affected in last month’s fire outbreak at the Odawna market at Circle.
The incident which occurred on 18 November razed down about 90% of the stalls at the Odawna market.
The interest-free loan disbursement with a one-year moratorium which begins today (2 December) will be done in phases.
Afua Akoto deputy CEO of MASLOC, who announced the disbursement to the affected traders said the government is committed to providing relief for the affected traders.
“We believe this support will go a long way to give a little relief. The minimum amount a beneficiary will be paid is GH¢2,000 so the government through MASLOC is doing this,” she said.
Akoto added “When the incident happened, we came here with the MCE to assess the damage situation. We realized that so far as it is about market women, so far as it is about family and business, we do what we are expected to do to help the victims.”
President Akufo-Addo on 18 November assured the National Board Small Scale Industries will support the affected traders after visiting the fire scene.
“The MCE and others have started working to document all traders whose shops have been destroyed and the government will subsequently move in to offer them help within the shortest possible time so they can resume their trading immediately,” President Akufo-Addo said.
He also promised the entire market will be rewired to avert future fire outbreaks.
“Government has begun the rewiring of all markets in Accra and we will ensure that we stop such tragic indicants from happening again,” President Akufo-Addo said.
