Members of the Ghana Co-operative Credit Unions Association (CUA) Ltd will on Saturday, November 15, converge on Kumasi to join the global cooperative community to commemorate the 77th International Credit Union (ICU) Day.
The national event, organised by CUA under the chairmanship of C.O.P. Dr Otu-Nyarko, is expected to draw members, stakeholders and partners from across the country.
The national celebration, which is expected to take place at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), will begin with a float through the streets of Kumasi at 7:00 a.m., symbolising unity and community pride, followed by the official ceremony at 10:00 a.m. at the Great Hall.
Distinguished guests expected to grace the occasion include the Guest Speaker, Professor Rita Akosua Dickson, Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, and the General Overseer, Centre For Christian Outreach Ministries, Rev. Dr Douglas Okonah Frempong, as Special Guest of Honour.
Since its inception in 1948, International Credit Union Day has provided a platform to reflect on the achievements and values of the global credit union movement.
Theme
This year’s celebration is on the theme, “Cooperation for a Prosperous World”, and highlights the power of collaboration among financial cooperatives in driving inclusive growth and sustainable prosperity.
Although the global event was marked in October, Ghana’s celebration was postponed to November to enable the country to host the all-African Credit Union (SACCA) congress.
Speaking ahead of the event, the National Chairman of CUA, C.O.P Dr Samuel Otu-Nyarko, said the 2025 ICU Day edition held special significance as it coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the first Credit Union in Ghana and Africa, marking seven decades of promoting the cooperative spirit, community development and financial inclusion.
In Ghana, credit unions continue to play an essential role in advancing financial inclusion, particularly for underserved populations.
The Ghana Cooperative Credit Unions Association is using this year’s celebration to encourage members and credit unions nationwide to highlight how cooperation fosters shared success,” he said.
He called on unions to organise community-focused events such as open-house sessions, financial literacy workshops and member appreciation activities that showcase the impact of cooperative finance.
The association also urged unions to highlight inspiring stories of members who have benefited from cooperative support—those who have used savings and affordable credit to start businesses, expand their livelihoods, or attain financial stability.
By doing so, he said the movement hoped to attract new members, particularly young people and women, and strengthen partnerships with schools, churches and local organisations to promote cooperative values.
As the global financial landscape evolves, he added that the principles of cooperation, trust and shared ownership remain the foundation of credit union success.
“This year’s ICU Day is not just a commemoration, but a call to action, reminding all that when credit unions, their members, and communities work together, prosperity becomes a shared reality rather than an individual pursuit,” he stressed.
