Ghana will join the global community in celebrating International Credit Union (ICU) Day on October 19, 2024, under the theme “One World Through Cooperative Finance.”
The event, which will take place at the University of Cape Coast’s NEC Hall, will highlight the essential role credit unions play in fostering financial inclusion and empowering communities worldwide. The celebration will be graced by prominent figures, including Hon. Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, and Hon. Justina Marigold Assan, Central Regional Minister, alongside Osaberema Dr. Kwesi Attah III, Oguaa Manhene.
ICU Day, which has been observed annually since 1948, serves as a platform for credit unions to reflect on their rich history and celebrate their achievements in promoting cooperative financial models. Each year, the day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the significant impact credit unions have on millions of people globally, offering affordable and sustainable financial services that help build resilient communities.
This year’s theme, “One World Through Cooperative Finance,” underscores the efforts credit unions make to break down barriers to financial access. Whether it is rural farmers, small business owners, students, or families, credit unions continue to provide a lifeline, helping individuals achieve financial stability and fostering economic growth within their communities.
In Ghana, the Ghana Co-operative Credit Unions Association (CUA) Ltd has been a cornerstone of the cooperative financial model, with over 495 credit unions serving more than 1.7 million members. CUA has enabled Ghanaians to collectively save, access affordable loans, and build more secure financial futures—demonstrating the enduring strength of the cooperative system.
As ICU Day is celebrated this year, it offers a moment to recognize the crucial role credit unions have played in promoting financial inclusion. By operating on principles of unity and shared responsibility, credit unions have not only provided essential financial services but also helped communities thrive, reinforcing the idea that “we are one world through cooperative finance.”
The day’s program will feature discussions on how credit unions can continue to drive development and improve lives through inclusive financial services. Hon. Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, Hon. Justina Marigold Assan, and Osaberema Dr. Kwesi Attah III are expected to bring their wealth of experience and leadership to these conversations, enriching the dialogue on the future of cooperative finance in Ghana.
With a growing number of members and a strong commitment to community empowerment, credit unions in Ghana stand as proof to the power of cooperative finance, continually proving that working together can bring about lasting, positive change in people’s lives.
