Winneba-Junction (C/R), Jan. 22, GNA - A former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Mr E.F. Anno, has advised Ghanaians to cultivate "the culture of prompt settlement of bank loans", to attract quick response from the financial institutions when they request for loans.

Explaining the reason why most Ghanaians often find it difficult to secure financial support from the banks, Mr Anno said majority of loan seekers did not attach the same enthusiasm and commitment with which they collect bank loans, when it comes to paying back the money. He said, what people must not forget was that money which the banks offer them as loans were deposits paid to the banks by other customers which are subject to quick and prompt refund anytime owners of such monies puts in their request.

Mr. Anno was addressing members of about 30 working groups in the Awutu-Effutu-Senya and the Gomoa Districts, who have benefited from loans granted them under the Government Micro Financial Credit Scheme to promote their businesses, at Winneba-Junction branch of the Akyempim Rural Bank. He said the sustenance of the various credit schemes initiated by the government depends on the willingness of the beneficiaries of such loans to pay them back to government chest in good time so that it revolve itself systematically as planned, for more needy people to benefit.

Mr. Anno, who is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Akyempim Rural Bank, regretted that as at now, loans defaulters are owning the bank over three billion cedis, adding that such situation does not encourage the bank to widen its loans network as expected. He counselled beneficiaries of the Micro Credit Scheme not to use the money given them to purchase personal effects and on funerals, but utilise them for the purpose for which the loans were granted. Mrs Prudente Aba Manful, Manageress of the Winneba-Junction branch of the bank, announced that her outfit has initiated a programme to assist petty traders in the area to promote their work, and hoped that they would take Mr. Anno's useful advice to enable them to achieve their objectives.

Mrs. Manful said if they abide by the rules and regulations governing the credit facility of the bank, it would continue to give them the necessary support whenever the need arises.