Takoradi, April 26,GNA- Mr Francis Eshun, Head of the Credit Department of the Takoradi branch of the Lower Prah Rural Bank on Tuesday called on small and medium scale enterprises to access credit facilities from the commercial banks to expand their operations. He said credit facilities from the banks were sustainable, negotiable and promote business.

Mr Eshun was speaking at a day's workshop organised by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) for stakeholders of the Rural Enterprises Development Support (REDS) Project of the organisation in Takoradi.

He said the reliance on poverty alleviation loans by income generating groups, was not encouraging savings. Mr Joseph B. Aidoo, Regional Minister, said Government would maximise the economic development of the country by ensuring the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every person living in Ghana. "We will establish a sound and healthy economy, encourage production and high productivity while promoting agriculture and industry," he said.

Mr Aidoo expressed the need for the state to take adequate measures to protect the environment and natural resources for posterity through collaborative effort with relevant stakeholders. Madam Grace Adjei-Misa, Regional Project Officer of UNIDO said the REDS project had since 2003 trained 337 people in Takoradi. She said 710.5 million cedis had been disbursed as credit facilities to several women's groups in the Region for the expansion of their businesses.

Madam Adjei-Misa said the REDS project aimed at training women in entrepreneurial skills, micro finance, hygiene, marketing, networking and the use of modern and appropriate technology. Mr Solomon Boateng, National Project Coordinator of UNIDO advised the participants to work closely with the district assemblies and other identifiable bodies to boost their businesses. Mr Charles Ainoo-Ansah, National Project Manager of UNIDO said the organisation had decided to extend the lifespan of the project, to benefit a number of women.

He therefore advised participants to ensure that loans contracted are paid to enable others to benefit from such assistance. 26 April 05