A community bank project launched in Mandiana, Guinea, to support women's economic empowerment has turned into a controversy, with women demanding the repayment of their contributions. The project, which was initiated with enthusiasm, collected contributions from women in Mandiana and surrounding areas, with amounts ranging from 100,000 to over 180 million francs guineens. However, none of the participants have received a loan, leading to widespread disappointment and frustration.
According to Sabou Diakité, a representative of the women, the project was presented as a mechanism to support women's income-generating activities, with the goal of promoting economic autonomy. The women were told that the contributions would be used to establish a local office and purchase equipment, and that the bank would provide loans. However, despite paying their contributions, the women have not received any loans, and the situation has left them feeling disillusioned and angry.
Eva Cross, a former deputy who was involved in the project, has responded to the allegations, stating that she was encouraged by former President Alpha Condé to support the creation of community structures. She claims that she was not responsible for managing the funds and that she too is waiting for the repayment of her own expenses. According to Cross, the project required several expenses, including the construction of a building, purchase of furniture and equipment, and training of personnel.
Cross also revealed that she had opened an account with Afriland First Bank when the collection reached around 50 million francs guineens. She claims that the bank's management had assured her that the system was working well and that it had helped many people in Cameroon. However, despite the initial enthusiasm, the project has failed to deliver on its promises, and the women are now demanding the repayment of their contributions.
The situation has put local representatives in an uncomfortable position, with those who collected the money being pressured by the contributors. The women are demanding that their contributions be repaid, and they are seeking intervention from the authorities to resolve the matter. According to Diakité, the women have not received any information about the exact amount collected, and they are seeking transparency and accountability.
The controversy has highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in community development projects. The women of Mandiana are seeking justice and hoping that their contributions will be repaid. The incident has also raised questions about the role of former President Alpha Condé in the project and the involvement of Afriland First Bank.
The outcome of the situation remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the women of Mandiana will not give up in their quest for justice. They are demanding that their voices be heard and that their contributions be repaid. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in community development projects.
Key points
- The women of Mandiana have contributed over 100 million francs guineens to the community bank project.
- The project has failed to provide loans to the women, despite collecting contributions.
- Eva Cross, a former deputy, claims that she too is waiting for the repayment of her own expenses.
