Offinso (Ash), Aug. 21, — Sixty self-employed women and traders in Offinso have benefited from a 28 million-cedi loan from Sinapi-Aba Trust, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) based in Kumasi. Addressing the beneficiaries at a meeting at Offinso yesterday, Mr Sarkodie Akenten, Offfinso New Town Central Assemblyman, said more than 300 other women have also been registered to benefit from the scheme. Mr Akenten, who is the resident representative of the NGO at Offinso, said the scheme is aimed at enhancing the business activities of women. It is also aimed at improving the living standards of women in the rural areas to ensure sustainable development. Mr Akenten said women groups and organisations to benefit from the scheme include market women, dressmakers, hairdressers, bakers and private day-care centre proprietors. He said plans are well advanced to extend the scheme to women in Samproso, Koforidua, Abofour, Kyebi, Kwapanin, Kobreso, Asuoso, Daaso, Afrancho, Akomadan and Nkenkansu. Mr Akenten urged the beneficiaries to re-pay the loans promptly to enable more women to enjoy the facility.
