- President Mahama urges banks to extend loan repayment for Adum fire victims
- Over 1,500 affected individuals receive food support
- Eight victims referred for psychological care
President John Mahama has directed the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) and the Ministry of Gender to engage with banks in order to negotiate an extension of loan repayment periods for individuals affected by the fire at the Adum Blue Light Arena.
The RCC is already compiling a list of those who owe money to the banks for further assistance.
“Some of the affected people have expressed concerns about their banks persistently asking for repayment. I’ve brought this issue to the President’s attention, and he has asked us to gather the details of the traders and their respective banks. This way, we can identify the loans they’ve taken and intervene. We hope the banks will offer them some relief while we explore ways to help them settle their debts,” the Minister explained.
He further noted, “The CEO of MASLOC and the Minister for Gender have visited us. The Gender Minister was particularly interested in the gender-specific database we’ve compiled, and we will provide this information to her by Wednesday, along with the data for MASLOC, so they can determine how best to assist.”
According to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), approximately 2,900 people were impacted by the Adum fire.
Of those, 1,500 individuals have reported being unable to afford basic food, prompting the provision of food support.
“Based on this report, the Interior Minister, Hon. Mubarik Muntaka, supplied rice and oil. We have decided that those in need who have come forward should continue to have access to these provisions through NADMO,” the Minister added.
Dr. Amoakohene emphasized, “We’ve been able to register nearly all of the traders, if not all, based on how they run their businesses. All incoming aid will be distributed based on this data to ensure that we meet their specific needs.”
Additionally, eight individuals have been referred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for psychological support.
