Jireh Microfinance opens Mampong branch

A non-bank financial institution, Jireh Microfinance Limited (JML), has marked its first anniversary with the opening of its second branch at Akuapem-Mampong in the Eastern Region.

The company, which started operations with a staff strength of five which has currently grown to 25, seeks to build a progressive, sustainable and client-centred microfinance institution to provide integrated financial service.

At an anniversary ceremony, the Managing Director of the company, Mrs Akorfa Ahiafor, said the company was established to promote and encourage investment and savings among Ghanaians.

Subsidised rate

She explained that JML recognised the challenge that existed in obtaining financial services to expand small and micro scale businesses and added that the company was ready to meet those needs.

Although microfinance companies sourced funds from private sources which tended to carry high interest rates, she said most companies were unable to give loans at low interest rates to businesses and individuals but indicated that JML had subsidised its rate for the benefit of all.

Mrs Ahiafor was of the view that microfinance companies had come to stay, since it was complementing the government’s effort in creating employment in the country.

While commending regulators who had confidence in the business and granted licence to bring the Jireh brand to the market, she appreciated depositors for doing business with the company.

Transparency

The chief of Akuapem-Mampong, Osabarima Kwame Otu Darteh III, who graced the occasion, also pledged his support for JML to ensure that the company and the Mampong township experienced prosperity.

He commended the company for opening the branch at Mampong and said it would serve as a source of employment for the youth and also support traders to boost their business.

Nana Darteh urged staff of the company to be honest and diligent in the discharge of their duties to the company and customers to ensure there was transparency in business transaction.

We will conform

In a speech read on his behalf, the Board Chairman of the company, Dr George Agbeko Banini, gave an assurance that the company would conform to the regulations in the industry.

He said the vision of the company required a lot of sacrifices to be made along the way and urged clients to improve on their savings culture and also follow the rules of the company.

Dr Banini remarked that over the past year, JML had been offering support to customers, which enabled them to improve on their living conditions.