The Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) has issued a stern reminder to individuals, groups and institutions with outstanding loan repayments to settle their debts by September 30, 2025 without further delay, according to a story published by Citinewsroom.
In a publication signed by its management on Monday, September 15, 2025 MASLOC warned that failure to comply will attract strict sanctions, including the publication of names of defaulting clients in newspapers, on radio and on television.
The Centre stressed that non-compliance will not be tolerated and that it reserves the right to take appropriate legal and enforcement actions to recover funds. These actions may include recovery proceedings, restrictions on accessing future funding opportunities and other measures deemed necessary.
“Beneficiaries are cautioned that MASLOC funds are public resources intended to support the growth of small businesses across Ghana. Abuse or neglect of repayment obligations undermine this national effort and will be met with firm corrective measures,” the statement read.
MASLOC further emphasised that the loan scheme was established to empower small and medium-sized enterprises and urged beneficiaries to honour their commitments to safeguard the sustainability of the program.
The warning from MASLOC must not be taken lightly. These funds were established by government with one aim, to provide support for individuals and groups who may not otherwise have access to traditional bank loans, especially small-scale entrepreneurs trying to build livelihoods and create jobs. It is, therefore, worrying that some beneficiaries treat these loans as though they are political handouts or free money.
Loans, by definition, must be repaid. If borrowers fail to meet this obligation, they not only shortchange the state but also deny other deserving entrepreneurs the opportunity to benefit from the scheme. Ghana has countless young men and women with brilliant business ideas who cannot access capital. MASLOC exists to bridge that gap, but the pool of resources is not unlimited. For every cedi that goes unrecovered, another entrepreneur is left stranded.
It is important for beneficiaries to understand that MASLOC loans are public funds, collected through the sweat of taxpayers. Misusing them or refusing to pay back is nothing short of sabotaging a national initiative designed to uplift small businesses. If repayment defaults persist, the sustainability of the program will be threatened. Soon, government may no longer be able to extend loans to others who genuinely need them.
We commend MASLOC for taking a firm stance, including the decision to publish names of defaulters and pursue legal recovery. Such deterrent measures are necessary to protect the integrity of the scheme. However, enforcement must be done fairly and transparently. The system should not shield politically connected individuals or institutions. Accountability must cut across all beneficiaries, big or small.
At the same time, MASLOC must continue improving its monitoring mechanisms. Beyond just issuing loans, the Centre should put systems in place to ensure that beneficiaries put the funds to proper use. When loans are invested wisely, repayment becomes easier.
But ultimately, the responsibility lies with the borrowers. Ghanaians who have benefited from MASLOC must rise above the culture of entitlement and honour their obligations. Repaying these loans is not only a legal duty but also a moral responsibility. It ensures that other businesses get their turn and that the vision of supporting small enterprises continues to thrive.
