In the face of daily struggles and financial uncertainty, most women in the rural communities of Ghana rise with strength and relentless determination to succeed, and supported by initiatives like the VisionFund Ghana Savings group, they strive to work hard to cater to the needs of their children. One such story is that of Abambisi, whose life is a model of how access to financial resources can bring transformation.
Abambisi is a 52-year-old mother of six who lives in Akpantangu, a remote community in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Women in the Upper East region are defined by resilience, sacrifice, and firm commitment to their families. In these communities, women juggle multiple roles, including farming, petty trading, and caregiving, daily. Limited access to resources, education, and financial support means that many of these women are locked in a daily struggle to put food on the table, pay school fees, and keep their families afloat.
Abambisi has spent most of her life farming crops like maize, millet, and okra. To create a more stable income during the off-season, she opened a small shop in her home, selling essential goods such as grains, fish, soft drinks, toiletries, and more.
However, with six children, and grandchildren, the burden on her shoulders was heavy. She had to look for support to be able to cater to their food and other essential expenses at home. In her quest to increase her income, she was introduced to the Asungtaaba Akpantangu savings Group.
She joined the Asungtaaba Akpantangu savings group after sensitization by the World Vision Ghana team. Through the group, they were introduced to VisionFund Ghana, where she accessed her first VisionFund loan of GHS2,000($129.00) to support her business. With this support, she purchased fertilizers for her farm and restocked her shop. This was a strategic move that turned her fortunes around.
Today, Namzie’s farm and business are thriving. The income from both her farm and the shop allows her to feed her children, provide them with school essentials, and ensure they never go to bed hungry. “The stress of providing food and educational support for my children has greatly diminished,” she says with relief. “I can now provide shoes, food, and school fees for my children.” She added.
Abambisi’s story reflects the promise of what can happen when women in underserved communities are given the tools and support to rise. She represents countless women in the Upper East, working hard, dreaming big, and transforming their lives daily.
Story and photo by Angelina Hawa Ayamga