Jema: Mr. John Anonpure, the Jema branch Manager of the Brong-Ahafo Catholic Cooperative Society for Development (BACCSOD), has advised farmers, particularly women, to cultivate the habit of saving to access credit facilities during the crop seasons.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Anonpure emphasized the importance of providing all-inclusive financial services to farmers in rural communities, encouraging them to form and strengthen cooperative groups to more easily access credit facilities from the Society. He noted that with even minimal savings, women farmers could access credit facilities and engage in commercial farming, thereby enhancing their socio-economic livelihoods.
Mr. Anonpure highlighted that while the Society understands the necessity for support among women farmers during crop seasons, savings are essential for BACCSOD to maintain records and access bank histories, which are prerequisites for offering support. He pointed out that BACCSOD has already extended financial assistance to numerous farmers in the area engaged in various agricultural activities such as cashew and mango plantations, as well as yam, maize, and vegetable cultivation. He urged beneficiaries to utilize the facilities wisely.
Mr. Anonpure also advised farmers against hoarding money at home and cautioned them to be vigilant of emerging financial institutions promising high-interest rates to avoid being scammed. He reiterated that all small and medium enterprises and businesses transacting with the society qualify for credit facilities, with priority given to those organized into cooperative groups and associations.
The BACCSOD is a financial institution established by the Catholic Diocese of Sunyani to empower people financially and tackle socio-economic issues.