Empower 600 Women in Ghana with Microcredit Loans

"The [microcredit loans from Self-Help International] have helped me expand my business and improve my ability to manage both business and household needs."

Ruth, a mother from Kukubuso in Ghana's Ashanti Region, was working hard to help support her family, but the small wooden kiosk from which she sold provisions just didn't earn enough to meet her household expenses. 

Ruth's life began to change when she joined the Self-Help International Microcredit Program in 2017. Ruth's first microcredit loan was just GHC 200 (approx. $45 USD in 2017).

Through subsequent microcredit loans, Ruth has expanded her business to a shop attached to her house. She also began selling kenkey, a locally popular steamed corn dumpling, and she now has a cold store where she sells frozen protein products.

"Through the intervention and support from Self-help International, my business has grown significantly, which has also helped to increase my income," says Ruth. "I am able to meet my responsibilities and support my family because of the assistance I have received. The intervention has made a significant difference in my life, and I have gained much from the opportunities provided."

Self-Help International's support went beyond microcredit loans, however. Ruth has also received business training and health education and screening.

Through one of the training sessions on budgeting, Ruth learned the importance of saving, and she began setting aside money to support the growth of her business and ensure timely loan repayments.

Ruth's financial situation has improved so much she has begun building a house with a storeroom for her business. She also has helped her second-born son grow his own business, and her third-born daughter has successfully completed her nursing training.

Ruth's family is the driving force behind all of her hard work.

 "I want to provide better educational opportunities for my three younger children," says Ruth. "My greatest aspiration is to see my children become educated, skilled, and successful professionals who are well-equipped to build better lives for themselves and contribute positively to society."

Not only has Self-Help International made an incredible impact on Ruth's family, it has touched nearly every person in the village of Kukubuso. 

"The change we are witnessing is truly remarkable," says Ruth. "We are deeply grateful to everyone who brought Self-Help InternationalI to our community and continues to support this life-changing work. May God richly bless you all."

Links:

• Self-Help International
• Read more about the Women's Empowerment Program
• Read more about the impact we are making in Ghana