The National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) has debunked claims of requesting for fees from applicants on the Coronavirus Alleviation Programme Business Support Scheme (CAP BuSS).

NBSSI in a press release Monday, the Board stated that it is not asking for a fee neither has it contracted any association to charge applicants.

“NBSSI has not engaged any group, association or individual to discuss, collect or facilitate the collection of any charges on its behalf," the Board said.

The statement follows reports and queries by some applicants that some trade and business associations, notably the Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS), are requesting for fees from members on the CAP BUSS.

The release states that GNACOPS is alleged to be demanding a 4 per cent processing fee from its members, out of which they have stated to their members that 3 per cent is allegedly for the NBSSI.

However, the NBSSI has assured that its “Board has engaged GNACOPS on a number of issues and even queried them about the 4 per cent charges. We maintain that the charge on GNACOPS members is wrong and unacceptable.”

It went on to request that the general public disregards any claims by GNACOPS that the Board is demanding an extra 3 percent fees in respect of the loans being granted under the CAP BuSS.

The press release further cautioned “against the payment of fees or charges to any intermediary, be it an association, group or individual” and urged applicants to direct all concerns and questions to the NBSSI Public Relations Unit.

It also encouraged the public to report any person engaged in this act to the nearest police station.