Opportunity International Expands Focus on Farmers and Women Entrepreneurs During Accra Board Meeting
Joseph Otsibah 
Global and local leaders of Opportunity International have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding financial inclusion in Ghana following the organisation’s Global Board and Chief Executive Officers meeting held in Accra.
The week-long engagements concluded 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 event brought together board chairs, chief executives, regulators, banking leaders and development partners to reflect on more than three decades of microfinance operations in Ghana and the growing role of inclusive finance in supporting vulnerable communities.
Speaking at the gathering, the Chief Executive Officer of Opportunity International US, Atul Tandon, said Ghana continues to demonstrate how inclusive finance can transform lives 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 also to savings, insurance and financial education that help them build resilience,” he said.
He added that the organisation remains 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. According to him, the company has served more than 700,000 clients since its establishment and has grown into one of the country’s leading savings and loans institutions.
Mr Yerekuu said the institution’s next phase of growth will focus on expanding digital innovation, strengthening risk management systems and extending services to underserved communities, particularly women- and youth-led enterprises.
Looking ahead to the country’s economic outlook, he noted that Ghana’s improving macroeconomic conditions present an important opportunity to expand access to finance for small businesses.
“Ghana’s macroeconomic recovery presents a critical moment for inclusive finance,” he said. “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.”
He added that OISL is positioning itself to scale credit, savings and climate-resilient financing solutions for small businesses while maintaining strong governance and disciplined risk management.
Also addressing the gathering 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 role in advancing financial inclusion.
In her welcome address, the Board Chair of OISL, Alberta Quarcoopome, described the institution’s growth 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 that seed has since grown into a trusted financial institution supporting families, expanding farms, formalising businesses and helping restore livelihoods across communities.
The evening also featured a documentary highlighting a beneficiary of OISL’s 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 will focus on climate-resilient 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.
News Source: Graphic Business
About The Author
Joseph Attoh 
