The Wealth and Health Therapy (WHAT) Foundation has held its annual seminar with members of the Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) to review the organisation’s achievements and outline strategies for future growth.
The meeting, which brought together representatives of VSLA groups across the Bole District, took place on December 27, 2025, at the Disability Centre Conference Hall in Bole.
Addressing participants, the Executive Director of WHAT Foundation, Mr. Domba Abdul Rahman, described the zonal annual meeting, locally known as “Dakabile” or “Susu” as a unique initiative that currently supports over 20,000 women across the foundation’s operational areas, spanning from Bamboi to Wa.
Mr. Abdul Rahman explained that WHAT Foundation’s core focus areas include VSLA development, women empowerment, human rights and child protection, as well as financial inclusion. He noted that while progress has been made in women’s empowerment, there remains a critical need to strengthen support at the grassroots level, particularly through locally driven initiatives.
He disclosed that research indicates women continue to face significant exclusion from financial systems, a gap the foundation has worked to bridge over the past 13 years by organizing women into structured VSLA groups. According to him, bringing women together has proven essential in promoting financial independence and improving household livelihoods.
The Executive Director further revealed that the foundation has linked all its members to formal financial services through the establishment of a credit union, with offices in Wa, Sawla, and Wa East in the Upper West and Savannah Regions. Plans are also underway to expand the credit union to additional areas to improve accessibility for members.
He emphasized that the initiative has enhanced financial inclusion, enabled women to expand their businesses, contribute meaningfully to household income, and better support child upbringing and education.
Mr. Abdul Rahman also highlighted the foundation’s commitment to advancing gender equality, stressing that sustained gender transformation remains a key pillar of its operations. He encouraged women who are yet to register with the foundation to do so, noting that membership provides critical support for household management and economic stability. He further appealed to government to support the foundation to expand its operations and deepen women’s participation in business and economic activities.
Sharing her experience, a VSLA member and Assemblywoman for the Mandari Electoral Area, Hon. Memunatu Mahama, said the annual meeting serves as a platform to assess progress, identify challenges, and strengthen group operations. She commended WHAT Foundation for its consistent support to women through the “Susu” or “Dakabile” system.
According to her, the VSLA initiative has grown steadily over the years, enabling women to address their financial needs independently without resorting to high-interest bank loans.
Hon. Memunatu testified that she was able to further her education and successfully graduate through the support of WHAT Foundation’s VSLA services. She explained that members can access loans at low interest rates and repay conveniently to address household needs, personal development, and children’s education.
She urged women who are not yet members to register and take advantage of the benefits, and called on government to consider absorbing and supporting WHAT Foundation, describing it as a vital institution that aligns with the government’s proposed Women’s Bank initiative.
During the meeting, participants also formed an executive zonal committee tasked with enforcing and strengthening the by-laws governing the VSLA groups.
Additionally, members proposed “Ncherega Wale” as the name for the Bole branch of the foundation’s credit union.
