COMCA Ghana has trained more than 400 members from Cooperatives and Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs).
The training is part of phase one of its Financial Empowerment Programme under the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) ACCEL Africa Project in the Sefwi Juaboso and Bia East districts in the Western North Region.
It focused on three key areas namely; Setting financial goals, making smart spending decisions, and creating and managing a budget.
As part of the training, participants were assisted in developing practical action plans to guide them in applying the knowledge gained, while providing a framework for monitoring their progress over time.
In addition to the financial skills, the sessions addressed gender-based disparities in economic participation, stressing the importance of equitable access to resources and opportunities for all.
Mr Devine Todzo, the Finance and Administrative Manager of COMCA Ghana, during the event said the first phase of the training marked the beginning of a comprehensive financial capacity-building journey, with subsequent phases set to deepen participants’ knowledge and equip them with more advanced skills to manage and grow their income streams.
He stated that the training sought to bridge financial literacy gaps that hindered individuals, particularly women from effectively managing their resources, making informed financial decisions, and improving their well-being.
Some of the trainees expressed their appreciation to the organisers for the intervention, stating how relevant the lessons would help them in the management of their finances.
Madam Juliana Konadu, a trainee from Kotosaa, said: “I have realised the weaknesses in my spending decisions, because I do not plan my finances or make budgets, so with this training, I will begin to plan my finances, and save towards my children’s education.”