Gifty’s Journey to Financial Empowerment with Empowered Worldview

When we embrace change and consistently seek knowledge, it often helps us find new paths to prosperity, just like Madam Gifty.

Gifty, a 35-year-old mother of three, lives with her husband and children in Ashaiman Royal City, Greater Accra. Women in Ashaiman are known to be hardworking, and most of them engage in petty trading to cater to their children. They do not like to rely on others for financial support, they strive to do whatever they can to provide for their families.

Gifty and her husband started with the sale of maize as their main source of income. However, their income was not enough to sustain the family, especially when caring for their children's needs. Determined to improve their situation, Gifty sought ways to increase her income. That was when a friend recommended VisionFund Ghana to her.

She was able to secure a small loan to support her business, but her transformation did not stop there. The Empowered Worldview (EWV) training offered by the VisionFund Ghana team became a turning point in her life. It shifted her mindset and equipped her with resources to improve her livelihood.

"My ‘wow’ moment was realizing that depending on just one source of income was risky. The training emphasized the importance of multiple income streams. We were also taught the power of supporting each other in business, and that lesson has stuck with me," she recalls.

This newfound perspective gave her the courage to expand her business and take proactive steps toward financial stability. With the skills and insights gained from the training, Gifty implemented several changes in her life and business.

She learned resilience, understanding that failure is not the end but an opportunity to rise again. “We used an illustration like crossing a river, where we had to support each other to get across. This taught us to rise when we fall and to support one another when the need arises.” She recalled

She diversified her business by adding new ventures such as corn milling services, sobolo (a local soft drink), and a cement block factory. Additionally, she embraced financial discipline by saving consistently and cutting unnecessary expenses. She also adopted better business management practices, which helped her maximize profits and improve customer satisfaction.

"This training has given me more than just business skills; it has shaped my perspective on life. I have learned the importance of perseverance, faith, and continuous learning," Gifty reflects.

As a result, Gifty’s business is thriving, and she and her husband have started building a five-bedroom house, where she plans to rent out some of the rooms when it is completed. 

Gifty dreams of expanding her business portfolio. She plans to start a cold store business by purchasing fish and meat from the harbor for resale, ensuring a stable future for her children. She is also committed to completing their home to ensure her children will not struggle when she is no longer able to work.

Story By Angelina Hawa Ayamga