Two World Council of Credit Unions’ (WOCCU) Board Directors recently made history, becoming the first members of the WOCCU Board to ever visit Ghana—a West African nation home to nearly 600 credit unions.
WOCCU Board Chair Steve Stapp, who also serves as President and CEO of Unitus Community Credit Union, and Director George Ototo participated in several meetings with Ghana Co-Operative Credit Union Association (GCCUA) General Manager Emmanuel Coffie and his staff. GCCUA is one of five African credit union associations that is a direct member of World Council.
GCCUA staff had several questions for Stapp and Ototo, on subjects that included board governance and election best practices, how to grow the credit union sector and when WOCCU officials could return to Ghana.
The WOCCU Board members also toured the GCCUA Training Center, which is comprised of training and meeting rooms, and a housing complex for attendees. GGCUA has completed training for over 900 individuals in the credit union sector there, including employees and board members.
Stapp and Ototo also visited:
- Queen of the Peace Cooperative Credit Union.
- Controller and Accountant General Cooperative.
- Hydro Cooperative Credit Union—which included a tour of the Akosombro Dam that provides 60% of the power in Ghana.
Despite difficulties in the banking sector, with a lockup of liquidity, the duo found the credit unions of Ghana to be thriving and growing—with a dedication to providing vital services for their communities and nation.
“Credit Unions are playing a significant role in the economy of Ghana as they connect individuals to the financial sector and provide a means for them to access capital and save for the future,” said Stapp. “Ghana Co-Operative Credit Union Association plays an important role in supporting the sector through training, advocacy, and providing connectivity to the rest of the world.”
George Ototo (left) and Steve Stapp (right) at GCCUA.
Stapp and Ototo with the GCCUA Board.