By Christopher Tetteh
Susuanso, (Ahafo), July 21, GNA – Professor Yaw Ofosu-Kusi, the Board Chair for Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF) has urged small-scale businesses, entrepreneurs and petty traders within its operational area, to improve their loan repayments, for enhanced benefits under the foundation’s micro-credit scheme.
The NADeF, which was established in 2008, is a mechanism to respectively manage the Newmont Ghana Gold Limited’s Ahafo South Mine and Ahafo North project’s sustainable community development, commitment to its 10 host communities in the Region.
The communities comprised Kenyasi Number One and Two, Ntotroso, Wamahinso and Gyedu in the Asutifi North District, as well as Yamfo, Susuanso, Afrisipakrom, Terchire, and Adrobaa in the Tano North Municipality of the region.
Prof. Ofosu-Kusi said the foundation’s credit scheme was always ready and remained committed to supporting businesses and entrepreneurs in the area to grow, however with good repayment records, beneficiaries could easily access more facilities to expand their businesses.
“The foundation is committed to help spur local business growth and development to improve the socio-economic livelihoods of the people, however, that will largely depend on their commitment to pay back the loans and their financial performance in the previous cycles”.
Prof. Ofosu-Kusi gave the advice in an interview with the media on the side-lines of an inspection visit the Board undertook, to assess the level of work on the construction of some development projects in the enclave being funded by the NADeF.
The Board Chair also led other members of the NADeF Board to visit shops and stores for closer interaction with some beneficiaries of the micro-credit scheme, and further, to assess and identify some of the challenges confronting their businesses.
Prof. Ofosu-Kusi advised the beneficiaries to use the credit facilities judiciously and only to expand their economic activities, saying it would enable them to become financially independent and better their lots.
The Board inspected the progress of work on the construction of the Adrobaa Chief Palace, renovation of a six-unit classroom block at the Techire Roman Catholic (RC) Basic School, the health center project at Techire and the construction of the Susuaso town roads and drainage system.
Prof. Ofosu-Kusi explained that the objectives of the visits were to ensure that the contractors delivered quality work and said the board was highly impressed about the work done and commended the contractor for the quality work delivery.
Mr Kwasi Adu, the Headmaster of the RC JHS commended NADeF for the renovation work, saying that it would facilitate effective teaching and learning.
Some of the beneficiaries of the NADeF micro-credit scheme expressed appreciation for the facility and called on the foundation to consider increasing the funds given to them for enhanced business outcomes.
GNA
Edited by Dennis Peprah/ Christabel Addo