President John Mahama has directed the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) headed by Dr. Frank Amoakohene and the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection to engage banks in discussions for a flexible loan repayment plan for traders affected by the Adum Railway market fire.
The RCC is currently compiling a list of indebted traders to facilitate the negotiations and ensure they receive the necessary support.
Speaking at a media briefing in Kumasi, Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene disclosed that some victims have raised concerns about pressure fromtheir bankers to repay loans despite the financial setbacks caused by the disaster.
“Some of the victims have complained about their bankers pestering them to repay their loans. I informed the President, who has directed that we gather the details of the affected traders and their bankers to assess their loan commitments and intervene.
We hope the banks will grant them some breathing space while we explore ways to assist them in repaying their loans,” Dr. Amoakohene stated.
He further revealed that the CEO of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) and the Gender Minister have visited the affected traders to discuss potential financial support.
“The Gender Minister was particularly interested in a gender-specific database, which we have compiled and will submit to her by Wednesday.
MASLOC is also reviewing the data to determine how best they can provide financial assistance,” he added.
According to figures from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), approximately 2,900 people were affected by the Adum fire. Out of this number, 1,500 traders have been identified as financially vulnerable, prompting the government to provide food aid and other relief items.
“Based on this report, the Minister for the Interior, Mubarak Muntaka, has provided relief items, including rice and oil, for the victims. We have decided that NADMO should continue distributing these essentials to those in need,” Dr. Amoakohene stated.
The minister assured that the government has successfully registered most of the affected traders, ensuring that all incoming support is properly distributed to meet specific needs.
Additionally, eight victims have been referred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for psychological support to help them cope with the trauma of the disaster.
