Women in agriculture and petty traders say they are leaving Kumasi with a sense of renewed hope after participating in a stakeholder dialogue aimed at tackling the persistent barriers to financial inclusion and social protection in Ghana’s informal sector.
The August 7 event, held under the theme “Bridging the Gap: Financial Inclusion & Social Protection for Informal Sector Workers”, was organised by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) through its Voice Influence and Inclusive Development (AVID II) project, in partnership with Star Ghana Foundation and funded by the Flora and Hewlett Foundation.
Participants — including farmers from Asesewa, traders from Bono, and representatives from the Eastern Region — welcomed the opportunity to engage directly with banks, insurance companies, regulators, and policymakers in an open dialogue.
Prof Alexander Ansah Manu, Executive Director of CSJ, who chaired the forum, explained that the gathering was meant to close the disconnect between those providing financial and insurance services and the informal workers who often find them inaccessible. He highlighted major challenges such as steep collateral demands for loans, interest rates that diminish profit margins, and insurance schemes that fail to support traders after incidents like market fires.
“We have brought these community groups into the same room with banks, insurance companies, and regulators so they can speak directly to one another,” Prof Manu told reporters. “Even if nothing else comes of it, we’ve created a platform for mutual understanding and collaboration.”
Aside from policy discussions, some participants learned of new opportunities, such as digital platforms that help farmers secure ready markets for their produce, a step many believe could boost incomes and reduce waste.
The Kumasi session is the first in a planned series, with a second forum scheduled for Northern Ghana.
Prisca Ansah, Project Lead for AVID II, noted that the work does not end with identifying problems. She emphasised the importance of obtaining concrete commitments from policymakers and regulators, and following up to ensure recommendations are acted upon.
CSJ intends to compile the outcomes from both events into evidence-driven proposals for reforms that make financial products more accessible, affordable, and relevant for informal sector workers.
Ashanti Regional Minister Frank Amoakohene, in remarks delivered by Senior Social Development Officer Godfred Abogo, recognised the entrenched difficulties faced by informal workers and pledged government support in working with microfinance institutions to develop tailored financial products for women in agriculture and market traders.
For many attendees, the forum was a platform for change, and a step toward solutions that truly reflect their realities.
