Takoradi, July 29, GNA - Mr Douglas Turkson, the Regional Chairman of the Association of Small Scale Industries (ASSI), has appealed to the banks, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to grant loans and credit facilities to members of the association.

"It is unfortunate that we are most often left out of most financial packages meant for small scale industries nationwide," he said. Mr Turkson said this at the election and induction of a seven-member executive for the Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Area of ASSI for a four-year term.

He said the contributions of ASSI to the socio-economic development of the country were enormous and therefore members should benefit from such facilities.

Mr John G. Koomson, officer in charge of Takoradi Business Advisory Centre (BAC), appealed to self-employed individuals and members of ASSI to start contributing to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to enable them to enjoy relief under the National Health Insurance and Pension schemes.

He urged them to form a credit union to enable members to borrow money to expand their businesses.