Across many rural parts of Ghana and much of sub-Saharan Africa, women face significant barriers to financial inclusion. Formal banking services remain largely inaccessible due to geographic isolation, lack of collateral, low literacy levels, and deep-rooted gender norms. In communities like Weinchiki, located in the conflict-prone Chereponi District of the Northern Region, these challenges are further compounded by long-standing social tensions and limited economic infrastructure. For many rural women, especially those in post-conflict areas, the absence of reliable savings mechanisms and credit facilities has meant a persistent cycle of poverty, dependency, and marginalization. Yet, amidst these challenges, Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) remained a vital lifeline, offering not only financial access but also fostering peace, unity, and resilience among fractured communities.
The GROWING Project, Generating Revenues and Opportunities for Women to Improve Nutrition in Ghana, was introduced as a holistic, community-centered initiative aimed at improving the livelihoods and wellbeing of rural women and children. Funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented through the International Potato Center and Care International, the project operates in selected districts in Northern Ghana, including Chereponi District. It targets women, particularly those of reproductive age, and focuses on key thematic areas: women’s economic empowerment, gender equality, maternal and child nutrition and climate-smart agricultural practices. In communities like Weinchiki, where conflict has stained trust and stability, the project goes beyond traditional aid by working to rebuild social bonds while empowering women economically and socially. VSLAs provide a reliable source of credit and savings for members who often have no other means of accessing financial support. For many women, most affected by instability and poverty, these groups offer not only economic empowerment but also a platform for leadership and inclusion. Members are encouraged to take on roles such as treasurers, secretaries, and chairpersons, giving them a voice and agency in local decision-making. As a result, the associations have contributed to shifting traditional power dynamics and fostering gender equity in a context where such change is often difficult to achieve.
Even more remarkable is the role of the VSLA in facilitating economic recovery following violent conflict. When the most recent clash disrupted livelihoods and displaced families, VSLAs provided a critical social safety net. Through their internally generated Social Funds and microloan schemes, affected members were able to access emergency support without the bureaucratic hurdles typical of formal financial institutions. Madam Amina, a 30-year-old Secretary of the Sawere VSLA in Wenchiki, shared: “During the recent conflict, the VSLA assisted in economic recovery to some members who were affected by the conflict outbreak by providing them financial assistance through the Social Fund and with loans.” These financial interventions have not only stabilized individual households but have also restored a sense of community solidarity, a prerequisite for rebuilding trust in post-conflict zones.
Beyond their financial benefits, the VSLAs have become spaces for healing. As Mr. Abukari, a resident of Yekerede in Wenchiki and a VSLA member, observed, “The VSLA has created a platform for regular meetings where members from different backgrounds can come together for a common goal and understanding. This has helped bridge the division caused by conflicts, especially in the case of the Wenchiki community.” In a setting where historical grievances have deepened mistrust, these routine gatherings allow members to rebuild relationships through shared goals and open dialogue. This ongoing interaction across social and ethnic lines is a critical component of reconciliation, reducing the potential for renewed violence.