Opportunity International targets farmers, women entrepreneurs as Global Board meets in Accra
Global and local leaders of Opportunity International have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding financial inclusion in Ghana as the organisation held its Global Board and Chief Executive Officers meeting in Accra.
The week-long engagements ended with a dinner at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra on February 27 under the theme, “Seeds of Opportunity: A Ghanaian Story of Growth and Impact.”
The gathering brought together board chairs, chief executives, regulators, banking leaders and development partners to reflect on more than three decades of microfinance operations and the role of inclusive finance in supporting vulnerable communities in Ghana.
Addressing participants, the Chief Executive Officer of Opportunity International US, Atul Tandon, said Ghana continued to demonstrate how inclusive finance could transform livelihoods when supported by strong partnerships and sound governance.
“Our focus is ensuring that families at the base of the pyramid have access not just to credit, but to savings, insurance, and financial education that help them build resilience,” he said.
He noted that the organisation remained committed to supporting smallholder farmers, women entrepreneurs and micro and small businesses through innovative financial products and digital solutions.
The Chief Executive Officer of Opportunity International Savings and Loans Ltd (OISL), Ernest Yerekuu, highlighted the institution’s growth and contribution to Ghana’s financial sector, stating that it had served more than 700,000 clients since its establishment and had become one of the country’s leading savings and loans companies.
He said the institution’s next phase of development would focus on expanding digital innovation, strengthening risk management systems and extending services to underserved communities, particularly women- and youth-led enterprises.
Looking ahead to Ghana’s economic outlook, Mr Yerekuu said: “Ghana’s macroeconomic recovery presents a critical moment for inclusive finance. As stability strengthens and growth rebounds, we must ensure that capital flows not only to large corporations but also to the micro and small businesses that form the backbone of our economy. OISL is positioning itself to responsibly scale credit, savings, and climate-resilient financing solutions to this segment, with strong governance and disciplined risk management at the core.”
Also speaking at the event was the Head of the Banking Supervision Department at the Bank of Ghana, Ismail Adam, who emphasised the importance of effective regulation in safeguarding the financial system and protecting depositors.
He reiterated the central bank’s commitment to enforcing prudential guidelines, strengthening risk management frameworks and promoting sound corporate governance among regulated financial institutions, while commending OISL for its contribution to financial inclusion.
In her welcome address, the Board Chair of OISL, Alberta Quarcoopome, described the institution’s evolution as a journey that began with “a seed planted in faith” at a time when many Ghanaians lacked access to formal financial services.
She said the initiative had grown into a trusted institution supporting families, expanding farms, formalising businesses and restoring livelihoods across communities.
The evening also featured a documentary highlighting a beneficiary of the OISL Kayayei support programme, cultural performances and reflections from the Global Board Chair of Opportunity International, Walter Lewin.
Stakeholders at the meeting agreed that the organisation’s next phase of growth would prioritise climate resilience financing, youth entrepreneurship, digital transformation and community development, as part of efforts to deepen inclusive finance and sustain the impact of microfinance initiatives in Ghana.