The Member of Parliament (MP) for Tano South Constituency, Charles Asiedu, has stated that the establishment of a zonal office of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) in Bechem is critical to advancing the socio-economic development of the area.

According to him, residents of Tano South currently endure over an hour and a half journey to Goaso to access MASLOC services—a significant inconvenience.

“Having a zonal office right on our doorstep brings immense relief,” he noted.

On 30th April 2025, the Chief Executive Officer of MASLOC, Mrs Abigail Elorm Mensah, visited a location earmarked for the proposed zonal office in Tano South—an initiative spearheaded by the MP, Charles Asiedu.

The Bechem office, once operational, will serve both Tano South and Tano North Municipalities. It is expected to ease the burden of long-distance travel for residents and improve access to financial services essential for local enterprise growth.

The office will play a pivotal role in supporting traders, artisans, and small-scale entrepreneurs by providing soft loans to help expand and sustain their businesses.

MASLOC is the apex body mandated to implement the Government of Ghana’s microfinance interventions, which aim to reduce poverty by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Since its establishment in 2006, MASLOC has provided microcredit and small loans to start-ups and growing businesses, offering quick, accessible financial support to help them thrive and create jobs.

SMEs remain the backbone of Ghana’s socio-economic development, and MASLOC has, over the years, played a vital role in empowering these enterprises through targeted financial assistance.

The MP stressed that the geographic position of Tano South and North places them at a disadvantage, being far removed from Goaso, the regional capital. As a result, many residents often travel to nearby communities in the Ashanti Region to access essential state services.

“The presence of the MASLOC office in Bechem will mark a significant milestone, enabling mothers, fathers, and young people in our communities to access soft loans with ease, reviving their businesses and propelling our local economy,” Mr Asiedu remarked.

He further disclosed that MASLOC intends to support local transport operators, including taxi drivers, motorbike and tricycle ('Pragyia') riders, with vehicles on a ‘work-and-pay’ basis to improve their livelihoods.

The MP also revealed that plans are far advanced to establish branches of various government institutions currently lacking offices in the constituency to enhance public access to services.

In her remarks, Mrs Abigail Elorm Mensah reaffirmed MASLOC’s mission to serve Ghanaians with professionalism, integrity, team spirit, excellence, respect, and above all, godliness.

She affirmed that the establishment of a zonal office in Bechem would bring MASLOC’s services closer to the people of Tano South, Tano North, and surrounding communities.

“We remain committed to the growth and development of small and micro enterprises through the provision of sustainable microfinance and business support services to Ghanaian entrepreneurs,” she reiterated.