The Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Abigail Elorm Mensah, has extended her nationwide outreach to the Oti Region as part of efforts to empower women traders under the government’s “She Trades, Ghana Grows” initiative.
Her visit forms part of a broader campaign spearheaded under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, aimed at strengthening the role of women in Ghana’s local economies through targeted financial and business support.
Reflecting on her engagement, Ms. Mensah described the tour as a meaningful opportunity to connect directly with grassroots entrepreneurs. She emphasized the importance of leadership that listens and responds to real challenges, noting that the initiative continues to create tangible impact across communities.
During the visit, she toured key trading hubs including the Dambai and Abotoase markets, accompanied by regional MASLOC officials and local political figures. There, she interacted with market women, many of whom play a critical role in sustaining household incomes and driving regional commerce.
According to Ms. Mensah, these engagements revealed both the resilience and ingenuity of women traders, who continue to navigate economic challenges while supporting their families and communities. She noted that such firsthand interactions are essential in shaping policies and financial products that truly meet their needs.
The Oti Region visit follows similar engagements in the Western and Central Regions, where MASLOC gathered insights from traders to inform its support programs. These ongoing consultations are helping the agency design more flexible and accessible financing solutions tailored to small-scale entrepreneurs.
Ms. Mensah reaffirmed MASLOC’s commitment to working closely with market leaders to expand access to credit, enhance business capacity, and promote long-term financial independence among women.
She also highlighted the importance of inclusive governance, commending the continued support for women-focused initiatives at the national level. According to her, such leadership is key to building a more equitable and prosperous society.
The “She Trades, Ghana Grows” initiative seeks to provide comprehensive support to women traders across the country, combining funding opportunities with mentorship and training. It forms part of a wider national strategy to boost local enterprise, reduce poverty, and ensure that women remain central to Ghana’s economic growth.
MASLOC, as a government agency, continues to play a pivotal role in advancing this agenda by offering financial and advisory services to micro, small, and medium-sized businesses nationwide.
