Ahafo: Professor Yaw Ofosu-Kusi, the Board Chair for Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF), has called on small-scale businesses, entrepreneurs, and petty traders within the operational areas of the foundation to enhance their loan repayment habits to benefit more from the foundation's micro-credit scheme.
According to Ghana News Agency, NADeF, established in 2008, serves as a mechanism to manage the sustainable community development commitments of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited's Ahafo South Mine and Ahafo North project across its ten host communities in the region. These communities include 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.
Prof. Ofosu-Kusi emphasized the foundation's readiness and commitment to supporting business growth in the area. He noted that with a good repayment track record, beneficiaries could access more credit facilities to expand their businesses. "The foundation is committed to helping spur local business growth and development to improve the socio-economic livelihoods of the people, but this largely depends on their commitment to repay loans and their financial performance in previous cycles," he stated.
Prof. Ofosu-Kusi shared these insights during an interview on the sidelines of an inspection visit by the Board to assess development projects funded by NADeF in the region. The Board also engaged with micro-credit scheme beneficiaries to understand the challenges their businesses face.
Advising beneficiaries to use the credit facilities prudently for economic expansion, Prof. Ofosu-Kusi highlighted that judicious use would enable financial independence and improve their livelihoods. The Board inspected several projects, including the Adrobaa Chief Palace, a renovated six-unit classroom block at Techire Roman Catholic (RC) Basic School, a health center project at Techire, and the Susuaso town roads and drainage system.
He reiterated the visits' objectives were to ensure quality in contractors' work and expressed satisfaction with their progress, commending them for quality delivery. Mr. Kwasi Adu, Headmaster of the RC JHS, praised NADeF for the renovation, noting it would enhance teaching and learning.
Beneficiaries of the micro-credit scheme expressed gratitude and urged the foundation to consider increasing funding to boost business outcomes further.
