In a world where unity often leads to greater achievements, Opportunity International Global Network and Sinapi Aba Savings and Loans have demonstrated the power of collaboration. This year marks significant milestones for both organizations in Ghana: 20 years of service for Opportunity International Savings and Loan Ltd (OISL) and 30 years for the Sinapi Aba Trust. Together, they have positively impacted over 1.5 million micro, small, and medium enterprises.
From the outset, Ghana was recognized as a nation bursting with potential, despite approximately 13 percent of its population living on less than $1.90 a day. Opportunity International saw this potential as a spark for transformation. The journey began in 1994 when Bishop Davis Freeman and his wife Rev. Elizabeth Freeman, inspired by Opportunity founder David Bussau, realized the need to create jobs as part of their mission and church planting work.
Thus, the Sinapi Aba Trust was born, named after the mustard seed symbolizing great potential. With the guidance of visionary Ghanaian leaders like the Freemans and Rev. Dr. Kwabena Darko, the aim was to tap into Ghana’s entrepreneurial spirit. Since its inception in Kumasi, Sinapi Aba has played a vital role in providing opportunities for economically disadvantaged individuals, often excluded from formal financial markets.
The success of Sinapi Aba Trust led to the establishment of Sinapi Aba Savings and Loans Ltd. (SASL) and OISL a decade later. Focused on serving rural areas with limited access to financial services, both institutions provide financial education and support, encouraging a culture of savings through innovative deposit products.
Today, with over 2,500 employees across 84 branches, their mission remains unchanged – to serve the marginalized, underbanked, and unbanked populations. The impact is vast: more than 1.5 million clients with savings accounts or microloans, over 1.4 million children and 5,000 low-cost non-government schools supported, and nearly 250,000 smallholder farmers served.
The true impact is evident in the lives of clients like Madam Cynthia Mensah, whose journey from selling pastries on the streets to owning a successful bakery is a testament to the transformative power of microfinance. With support from OISL, Cynthia expanded her business, created jobs, and became a pillar of her community.
Stories like Cynthia’s inspire Opportunity International and Sinapi Aba to continue their mission of transformative development. While there is still much work to be done, their journey proves that together, they can achieve far more than they ever could alone.
