Kumasi, Aug. 11, GNA - The Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs has this year released 300 million cedis as loans to support 300 market women at Asafo, Krofuom and Central Markets in Kumasi to expand their businesses.

The amount, when paid back, would be used as revolving fund for other traders to help them undertake income-generating ventures to reduce poverty among them.

Mrs Mary Brobbey, Ashanti Regional Women's Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) disclosed this at an educational programme organised by the Party in Kumasi on Thursday. The function attended by over 250 market women aimed at sensitising them on programmes, policies and achievements of the Party. She said the NPP in its six years' rule, had been recognised by the international community because of its good governance and democratic dispensation and asked Ghanaians to help the government sustain such principles.

Mrs Brobbey noted that some of the achievements of the government included the introduction of capitation grant and feeding system in schools to promote education, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), construction of many roads, schools, hospitals and provision of employment for the youth through Skills Training and Employment Placement (STEP) programme.

Mrs Brobbey urged the women groups to educate the people about the achievements, policies and programmes of the Party to enable them vote massively for the Party in the 2008 elections.

Mr Robert Owusu Amankwaa, Regional Chairman of the NPP, appealed to the supporters of the Party to close their ranks and sensitise the people about the good works of the government to win more souls for the Party.

He noted that one of the achievements of the government was the prevalence of the freedom of speech and fundamental human rights and said that had contributed greatly to the attainment of good governance and democracy.