The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, has called on cooperative leaders to promote the power of solidarity, innovation, and technology to advance inclusive economic growth across the continent.
He stated this at the opening ceremony of the 25th Savings and Credit Cooperative Associations (SACCA) Congress, which was held on Thursday at the Alisa Hotel in Accra. The theme was “Stronger Together: SACCOs Driving Global Progress in the International Year of Cooperatives.”
He stated that the congress was a “celebration of history, solidarity, and transformation,” noting that it coincided with the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives and the 70th anniversary of Africa’s first credit union, founded at Jirapa in the Upper West Region.
According to him, seventy years ago, citizens in Jirapa chose cooperation over competition and unity over division.” That simple act of solidarity ignited a movement that now connects millions of Africans through savings and credit cooperative societies.
Dr Pelpuo, who hails from the same region where the first credit union was established, said the milestone carried personal pride and national significance, describing Ghana as “the cradle of Africa’s cooperative movement.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting the cooperative model as a key driver of job creation, social protection, and inclusive growth.
“Cooperatives mobilise collective wealth, encourage savings, and distribute opportunities equitably; that is why the Government of Ghana continues to prioritise the cooperative model as a vital pathway for poverty reduction and community empowerment,” he said.
He disclosed that the Ministry, through the Department of Cooperatives, would review the cooperatives bill to promote digital innovation and expand access to financial services for the youth, women, and informal-sector workers.
Dr Pelpuo commended the African Confederation of Cooperative Savings and Credit Associations and the Ghana Cooperative Credit Union Association for their leadership in strengthening the cooperative sector and for fostering collaboration across the continent.
“Africa’s cooperative future depends on our ability to innovate while staying true to our core values of trust, mutual support, and shared prosperity,” he added.
He encouraged delegates to use the congress to deepen partnerships and explore how cooperatives can leverage digital finance and cross-border collaboration to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
The event brought together over 700 delegates from 30 countries, including Ministers of State, cooperative leaders, development partners, and representatives from the African Confederation of Cooperative Savings and Credit Associations and the Ghana Cooperative Credit Union Association.
Priscilla Osei-Wusu Nimako, ISD
