Victims of the wave of microfinance scams that hit the Brong Ahafo Region have said they will demonstrate on Monday January 18, 2016 in the regional capital, Sunyani, over what they describe as the lethargic posture of the government and the Bank of Ghana in handling their concerns.
Despite assurances from President John Mahama to solve the issue and prosecute the owners of the sham firms, the victims said they were unconvinced.
Maxwell Mahama, spokesperson for the victims, speaking to Class News, said: “We are embarking on a very massive demonstration on Monday to register our frustrations, especially the role government played in all of these matters.
“We will demonstrate against the Bank of Ghana for not doing due diligence, for not supervising some of these activities, for taking customers through psychological trauma, death, and sicknesses.”
He said they have contacted the police service in the region, which has assured them of maximum security during their demonstration.
Mr Mahama also said the group will seek legal redress on the matter.
“We are taking legal action against the Bank of Ghana and some of these investment companies. Our lawyers are ready, we have spoken to our lawyers, and they are ever-ready to help us… It is our hard-earned monies that have been deposited with these companies.”
Hundreds of customers of some microfinance institutions in the region have had their investments frozen after the Central Bank ordered the firms to close down for breaching certain regulations.
Upon further investigations, it has been revealed that some of these firms do not have enough funds in their accounts to refund their customers’ investments.
