GFRA LBG Strengthening Village Savings and Loan Associations Across Ghana’s Coast
As part of its commitment to sustainability and resilient fisheries livelihoods, Global Fisheries and Resilience Action (GFRA LBG) is actively strengthening the Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) established under the USAID Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity. This initiative successfully formed nearly 100 VSLAs across Ghana’s coastal communities to improve access to finance for fisheries actors, particularly fish processors and women-led enterprises. Through these groups, members save consistently, access credit, improve fish-processing facilities, and support licensing under the Safe Fish Certification and Licensing Scheme (SFCLS).
The VSLAs are community-owned and community-run, and it is this strength of local ownership that makes them worth investing in. Building on this foundation, GFRA continues to support these associations through performance reviews, tailored capacity-building, and group-strengthening interventions.
GFRA recently conducted a rapid assessment of selected VSLAs to evaluate their performance following the close of the USAID project. The findings reveal encouraging progress and significant potential: many groups are successfully providing working capital to members through effective savings and credit systems. Where groups have experienced leadership and governance challenges, GFRA is working with members to address them directly. Planned support will focus on strengthening leadership structures, improving financial literacy, enhancing record keeping, and promoting a stronger savings culture — positioning these groups to become more bankable and better connected to formal financial services.
GFRA will also continue to use the VSLA platform as a vehicle for promoting hygienic and safe fish handling practices, sustainable livelihoods, and inclusive economic growth — ensuring that the women and fishing households at the centre of these groups continue to benefit.
