The Ministry of Fisheries has released one billion cedis to the Ghana National Association of Inshore Fish Sellers (GNAIFS) for disbursement to its members to promote their business.

Disclosing this at a forum with the members of the association at the Tema Fishing Harbour on Friday, Mrs Gladys Asmah, the Sector Minister said government expects recipients of its loans to reciprocate the gesture by paying back on time in order to qualify for more and also enable others to benefit from it. This, she noted, would encourage the government to release more funds to small scale entrepreneurs for the expansion of their business.

She said though the money might appear meagre for each beneficiary she advised them to start on a small note and build upon it.

Mrs Asmah expressed government’s determination to ensure that women get empowered in various ways to support their home income and the community at large hence the granting of soft loans to them and stressed on using it judiciously for the purpose.

The Minister advised fish sellers and mongers to operate under a hygienic atmosphere to attract more customers.

Mr David Okruw Aidoo of the Micro Project Office of the Ministry said loans from the Ministry do not attract collateral and commitment fees from the banks and asked beneficiaries to insist on that if asked to do so.

He said the loan attracts an interest of 10 percent for a period of one year.

Madam Patience Aku Ocansey, president of the association said the loan would be disbursed in batches for its members assuring fairness in the exercise.

The sellers complained of lack of storage facilities to preserve the fish which they buy in bulk and asked the ministry to assist them.