The revised Micro-credit and Small Loans Scheme
(MASLOC) will ensure transparency and value for money devoid of partisan consideration, Mr Joseph .Z. Amenowode, Volta Regional Minister on Thursday said.
He said the Scheme left uncollected loans of about GH�180,000 in the Volta Region under the previous administration and pledged that defaulters would be "hauled" before the courts soon.
Mr Amenowode said this at the dissolution of the Hohoe Municipal Assembly to pave way for the December 2010 district level election.
He said the procedures under the Scheme were fraught with avoidable irregularities and government could not allow such gross indiscipline and malfeasance to continue.
Mr Amenowode, also the Member of Parliament for Hohoe South, cautioned others benefiting from the loans that the Scheme was a revolving one and as such it would be able to grant the facility to new recipients upon repayment.
"This is not free party money for distribution to party cohorts but targeted at cushioning small businesses to gain financial autonomy for socio-economic development, job and wealth creation," he said.
Dwelling on security with reference to the recent disturbance at the Aflao border, Mr Amenowode expressed indignation, saying an unprofessional conduct by a security personnel, could lead to widespread destruction of state property.
He called on citizens along the country's eastern frontier with Togo to engage security personnel mounting the borders in healthy relationships.
The Regional Minister reminded citizens to always use state institutions and the right procedures to resolve conflicts and problems
instead resorting to violence and spewing of vengeance.
Mr Amenowode expressed disquiet about a similar notoriety and violent attacks on security men at Wli and Leklebi border posts.
On cocoa and related smuggling menace, he was optimistic that the recent upward price hikes would stem the smuggling nuisance.
Mr Amenowode said government was considering making traditional authorities and other stakeholders in cocoa growing areas to take
centre-stage in efforts to curb the menace of smuggling.
He appealed to the smugglers to stop the menace.