The Ghana Association of Savings and Loans Companies (GHASALC) has presented a cheque for GH¢50,000 to the National COVID-19 Trust Fund, after a similar gesture was made to the Ga East Hospital treatment Centre two weeks ago.
The cheque was presented to the Trust Fund by the National Board Chairman, Kwaku Duah Berchie, on behalf of the Association, accompanied by the Vice Chairman George Ofosuhene and Executive Secretary Tweneboah Kodua Boakye.
Presenting the cheque, Mr. Berchie explained that the presentation’s rationale was to support government in feeding the vulnerable and providing essential services to the less privileged in society affected in one way or another by the pandemic.
He encouraged all customers of the various savings and loans companies, as well as the entire population, to comply with the various protocols issued by government and the World Health Organisation (WHO). The Chairperson of the Trust Fund expressed appreciation to the Association and savings and loans companies for their thoughtfulness in supporting such a worthy cause.
On his part, Executive Secretary, Tweneboah Kodua Boakye, said that their respective member companies have already been supporting their clients who had been affected by the pandemic, by way of loan restructuring and moratoriums for deserving clients.
He said the gesture is also to assure the public that the association and its members have the interest of the public at heart, and this is not the only donation made by the Association. He further revealed that the Association is also going to support another treatment centre in the Ashanti Region during the coming weeks.
The Association has already donated various medical essentials – including a number of Omron i11 Digital BP Apparatus (with cuff and adaptor), Omron Standing BP Apparatus (with 3 cuffs, rechargeable battery and basket), Infrared Thermometers, Pulse Oximeters, Soap/Sanitiser Dispensers, Bedsheets, N-95 face masks, Disposable Surgical Face masks, and Disposable Gowns. The items also include Assorted Toiletries, Tissue, gallons of Liquid Soap and 60 boxes/packs of Bottled Water valued at GH¢50,000 to the Ga East Municipal Hospital in the Greater Accra Region.
Asked whether the savings and loans sector also need support from government during this crisis, the Executive Secretary answered in the affirmative – explaining that since most of their clients have been hard hit by the pandemic, loan repayments and deposits have all fallen while deposit withdrawals are also on the ascendency. “It would be in the right place if government continues to support the sector which went through a cleanup exercise a few months ago in 2019.”
