Ghana Microfinance Institutions Network (GHAMFIN) is a network of Non-Bank Financial Institutions’ Association, Microfinance Associations (MFAs) and member financial institutions (FIs) engaged in the provision of financial and non-financial services. Membership composes various Associations of Savings and Loans, Rural & Community Banks, Credit Unions, Microfinance Companies, Micro Credit Institutions, Financial NGOs, and Susu Enterprises. The Members include Association of Rural Banks (ARB) / ARB Apex Bank, Ghana Association of Savings and Loans Companies (GHASALC), Ghana Association of Microfinance Companies (GAMC), Ghana Cooperative Credit Union Association (CUA), Micro Credit Association, Ghana (MCAG), Ghana Association of Financial NGOs (GHASSFIN) and Ghana Cooperative Susu Collectors Association (GCSCA)
The Network provides common platform to share information, innovation, best practices and undertakes industry advocacy for and on behalf of members in areas of governance, operations, regulations human capital development and sustainability, among others. It addresses constraints faced by its members in the promotion and financing of low income and micro entrepreneurs. The Network also facilitates processes that address constraints faced by its members such as lack of access to on-lending funds, poor Management Information Systems (MIS), codes of conduct, poor MFI staff skills etc.
Historically, GHAMFIN evolved from an initiative of some MFIs operating in Ghana and was promoted by the World Bank sponsored Action Research Programme which started in Ghana in 1995. The programme sought to identify, for wider application, innovative techniques of financial services delivery that had been successful in improving access of micro entrepreneurs to financial services. The Action Research Project, which started with the profiling of three (3) Ghanaian MFIs, grew into an informal Network of organizations interested in providing effective financial services to the poor.
The Vision of GHAMFIN is to become a “Unique Microfinance Network of excellence” and the Mission is to “promote an inclusive and responsible financial sector in Ghana” by:
| Action Aid Ghana | Nsoatreman Rural Bank Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Freedom from Hunger Ghana | CARE International Ghana |
| Techno serve Ghana | The Association of Rural Banks |
| Women’s World Banking International | Credit Union Association |
Initially as an informal group, GHAMFIN was legally registered in August 1998 as a company limited by guarantee.
The umbrella organization for many players in the microfinance sector is the Ghana Microfinance Network (GHAMFIN). GHAMFIN is a network of Microfinance Associations whose members are engaged in the provision of microfinance services. GHAMFIN evolved from an initiative of some MFIs operating in Ghana and was promoted by the World Bank sponsored Action Research Programme which started in Ghana in 1995. The programme sought to identify, for wider application, innovative techniques of financial services delivery that had been successful in improving access of micro entrepreneurs to financial services. In August 1998, GHAMFIN was legally registered as a company limited by guarantee.
The Association has played a leading role in supporting and facilitating processes that address constraints faced by its members such as lack of access to on-lending funds, poor Management Information Systems (MIS), codes of conduct, poor MFI staff skills and conflict resolution among others.
GHAMFIN’s main objective is to initiate and support faciliatory processes to address constraints faced by its members in the promotion and financing of low income and micro entrepreneurs as well as provide assistance to its members to develop the right products for the clients of its members. GHAMFIN’s roles include: capacity building of members to effectively provide services in the market; ensuring members’ understanding of and adherence to consumer practice principles; promotion of standards in financial and social reporting among members; provision of monitoring and benchmarking studies; and advocacy for the industry.
In the recent past, GHAMFIN has been instrumental in: advocating for the passage of the Credit Union Bill; establishment of Microfinance Conference in collaboration with University of Cape Coast; development of industry Code of Conduct based on Client Protection Principles; and worked closely with the OFISD of the BoG to review selected areas of the operating guidelines for MFIs.
| CORE VALUES | VALUE STATEMENTS |
|---|---|
| FAIRNESS | As a membership organization GHAMFIN is driven by a determination to equitably serve its members in a sincere, transparent and accountable manner, and with integrity |
| INCLUSIVENESS | GHAMFIN will explore its vast potential to make extensive and far-reaching impart in the microfinance industry by bringing together all its members; like the proverbial broom, it acknowledges that together we are stronger, but alone we can be broken. |
| RESPONSIVENESS | GHAMFIN will be the professional and reliable Network for Members a it represents them to advice towards their rightful place in the microfinance industry |
| SIGNIFICANCE | GHAMFIN is focused on being a strong advocacy Network that is relevant to its members |
| TEAMWORK | GHAMFIN is determined to cooperate and collaborate with its Members, regulators, the mass media, Donors/Partners, and all stakeholders to develop a progressive best practice microfinance industry in Ghana |
