More than 200 traders, predominantly women, at the Berekum Central and Senase markets in the Bono Region have fallen victim to a suspected loan scam after paying registration fees to a group of individuals who promised them easy-access loans of up to GH¢10,000.
According to a report by Joynews, the affected traders reportedly paid between GH¢250 and GH¢500 each as processing and registration fees, with assurances that they would receive loans ranging from GH¢5,000 to GH¢10,000 depending on the amount paid.
However, after collecting the monies, the alleged fraudsters have gone into hiding and cannot be reached, leaving the victims without the promised loans or their hard-earned cash.
The scam has cut across various trading lines in the markets, including sellers of tomatoes, fish, clothing materials, vegetables, and tubers.
Nana Akua Serwaa, Queen Mother of the dry fish (Mponam) line, told JoyNews that the group approached her to help mobilise other market women, claiming they had been assigned to provide accessible financial support to traders.
“They said the process was legitimate and government-backed, so many of us trusted them and paid the fees. Now they have disappeared,” she said.
Madam Beatrice Boabeng, a yam trader, expressed deep frustration over the incident, noting that repeated attempts to contact the individuals have proven futile.
“This has really affected us badly. We were hoping to use the money to expand our businesses and support our families. Now everything is gone,” she lamented.
Another victim, Abenaa Meayaa, made a passionate appeal to the police and relevant government authorities to act swiftly and apprehend the perpetrators before more people are defrauded.
“If nothing is done quickly, other unsuspecting traders will also fall into this trap. We want justice and our monies back,” she said.
The affected traders are now calling on the Bono Regional Police Command to launch a full-scale investigation into the matter and help recover their funds.
Market leaders and victims say they are ready to provide any information that could assist security agencies in tracking down the suspects.