By Christabel DANSO ABEAM
In a bid to make purchasing and owning a phone more flexible, Credit Mall Limited – a scheme established by the Teachers’ Fund to cater for the consumer credit needs of teachers – has launched the Ascend Smart Phone Financial Programme.
According to the Managing Director of Credit Mall, Gerald Badaweh Yitamkey, the initiative is aimed at providing the latest smartphones to Ghanaians with a flexible means of payment – indicating that this will facilitate better communication and access to digital resources.
Under the Ascend Smart Phone Financial programme, any Ghanaian who is of age with a Ghana card and mobile money account registered in his or her name can have an android smartphone from any of their sales point after making a payment deposit of 10 percent.
He further explained that while Credit Mall typically sells to individuals on the Controller and Accountant General platform, this initiative is offered to anyone and not restricted.
Mr. Yitamkey indicated that the phone’s remaining cost must be paid off within a six-month period on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, adding that daily payments range from GH¢9 to GH¢20.
Emphasising the importance of owning a smartphone in one’s daily activities, he mentioned that good communication leads to productivity.
“We are making smartphones affordable and accessible to all Ghanaians regardless of their income, hence the choice to opt for a payment plan. Easy access to information plays a significant role in the lives of an individual and for daily productivity.”
Speaking on the issue of potential defaulters, Mr. Yitamkey revealed that the phones have been programmed to lock when due time for payment is passed.
The Ascend Smart Phone Financial Programme currently has android phones such as Samsung, Infinix and Tecno and hope to add iPhones by next year.
