Widows in Tindosobligo and Tindonmolgo have expressed gratitude to the Friends of Prosper Initiative after receiving a total of GH¢80,000 in financial support to strengthen their small-scale businesses and improve their livelihoods.
In all, 69 women benefited from the intervention. Younger widows received GH¢2,000 each, while older widows received GH¢1,000, based on their economic needs and capacity to expand their businesses.
The beneficiaries said limited access to startup and working capital has for years been one of their biggest challenges, restricting business growth and their ability to support their families. Many of the widows explained that, in the absence of alternative support, they often relied on loans, which they said came with high interest rates that placed heavy financial pressure on their businesses.
According to the women, loan repayments frequently consumed a significant portion of their profits, making it difficult to sustain or expand their enterprises. In some cases, they said the loans worsened their financial situation, trapping them in a cycle of debt.
They therefore described the intervention by Friends of Prosper Initiative as a major relief, noting that the financial assistance does not come with the heavy interest obligations associated with conventional bank loans. The widows said the support will enable them to invest directly in their businesses by restocking goods, improving service delivery and increasing income without fear of crippling repayments.
One beneficiary, Madam Joyce, said the support would help her expand her bar business.
“This money has come at the right time,” she said. “It will help me restock my bar, improve my services and attract more customers. With this support, I believe my business will grow and I will be able to take better care of my family.”
Another beneficiary, Madam Margaret Akolgo, said the assistance would have a lasting impact on her livelihood.
“This money will go a very long way in helping me expand my small-scale business,” she said. “I can now increase my stock and strengthen my business without worrying about high-interest loans.”
The women also noted that the support would positively affect their households, particularly in meeting their children’s educational needs, healthcare costs and daily household expenses. They described the initiative as timely and empowering, saying it has restored hope, dignity and confidence among them.
The beneficiaries commended Friends of Prosper Initiative for identifying with their challenges and providing practical, solution-oriented support that promotes self-reliance and economic stability.
Through the intervention, Friends of Prosper Initiative reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare of widows and strengthening local economies by supporting small-scale businesses at the grassroots level.
Source: A1 Radio | 101.1Mhz | Keizah Porepeya Nsoh | Bolgatanga
