By Juliet ETEFE ([email protected])
The Managing Director of Ecobank Ghana, Abena Osei-Poku, has led her team to meet with representatives of Kantamanto Market traders affected by the recent fire outbreak.
The meeting was aimed at empathising with the victims, understanding their needs and offering financial support to help them recover.
Interacting with the leadership, the MD expressed the bank’s commitment to supporting businesses affected by the fire outbreak to bounce back.
As such, in addition to offering emotional support, Ecobank announced a package of financial assistance for the affected traders, which includes concessionary interest rates, a moratorium on repayments and flexibility in loan terms.
In an interview, she explained that the bank’s decision to offer financial assistance to the market traders stems from a desire not only to do business but also to do good for the community.
“We are always looking for opportunities not just to do business but also to do good. Being one of the systemically important banks in our country and having supported small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from inception, once we heard of the fire outbreak and the repercussions for our customers, I thought it was very necessary that I lead my team to come and commiserate and to empathise with them; and above all, to show our support.
“That is why we decided to support them financially with concessionary interest rates, a moratorium and flexible interest rates. We have also taken them through the various products and solutions we have that would help them. For us, banking is a relationship, a partnership and, therefore, it is very important that we support one another regardless of the times,” she said.
The bank’s approach will be tailored to the individual needs of the traders, ensuring that each case is handled with care and understanding. “We understand that every business is unique, and there would not be a one-size-fits-all solution. We will be talking to them, understanding their needs and customising the support to suit their purposes,” Ms. Osei-Poku added.
The Market Manager at Kantamanto, Adu Twum, also spoke about the ongoing efforts to assist the traders, noting that government – through the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) – is helping with a registration process to ensure that the affected individuals receive the proper support.
He mentioned that efforts are being made to gather funds for the reconstruction of the market and other necessary facilities. “Various institutions and non-governmental organisations have pledged their support, and we are hopeful that they will honour their promises.
We are also working with insurance companies to ensure that the traders are protected in the future,” he noted. He expressed appreciation to the gestures, adding that additional financial support will be required to fully rebuild the market and its infrastructure.
