From Skepticism to Economic Empowerment

By Vivian Adu, Communications Officer

For years, residents in Dohia, a farming community in the Agortime-Ziope District of Ghana’s Volta Region, struggled to save money. Past experiences with fraudulent savings schemes had left them wary. But today, a small metal box with three locks has restored their confidence and changed their lives.

This is the Faith Savings Group, one of World Vision Ghana’s Savings for Transformation (S4T) groups, where men and women come together to save, invest, and support each other. The group, made up of 25-members, has not only built financial security but also laid the foundation for new businesses and brighter future.

Daniel, a leader of the group recalls their initial fears, "We were skeptical because we had been deceived before. But with World Vision’s guidance, we now have a safe and reliable way to save." 

The group keeps a portion of their contributions as a social fund, which they recently decided to use to build a corn grinding mill, an initiative that will be managed by the women in the group.

For Mercy, a local farmer, joining the group has been life-changing. Before, she struggled to make any real profit from her farm. Now, with access to credit, she has invested in fertilizer and mechanised farming, significantly increasing her yield.

 "I used to get just one bag of groundnuts, but now I harvest five. My tomato production has also increased from two boxes to ten," Mercy says proudly.

Mercy said she has been able to use her income to support her children's education and to build a four-bedroom house, which is in the process of being roofed.

Rebecca, another member, no longer has to choose between farming and selling pastries, she can do both. "I used to stop selling pastries during the farming season, but now I have access to loans, so I can run both businesses at the same time," she added.

Emma, who lost her parents at a young age, describes the group as her safety net. 

"As an orphan, the savings group is where I go when I'm in need. It has helped me expand my grocery store, and now I'm working on building a restaurant for the town," Emma said.

Beyond individual success stories, the impact of the Faith Savings Group extends to job creation. Pastor Ekow, another member, has been able to employ 11 people at his Kente weaving site. 

"This group has helped me improve my savings, and now I can give my children a better education," Ekow added.

What began as a simple savings initiative has become a catalyst for economic empowerment and community transformation. With each deposit into their locked savings box, Faith Savings Group members are securing not only their future, but the future of their entire community.