Country Overview: Ghana

Ghana is relatively densely populated (for African standards) and the inhabitants are entrepreneurial minded. Despite this spirit, most of Ghana’s 24 million inhabitants so far lack access to financial services. Besides, 40% of the population lives below the national poverty line, and less than 8% of the estimated number of microfinance clients has access to financial services.

The few well established MFIs (OI, Pro Credit) focus on the higher end of the microfinance market in urban areas with average loan sizes outstanding in excess of USD 250. The few NGOs operating in rural and semi-urban areas operate on a small scale and underperform in terms of repayment and financial sustainability.

Figures in million

Population Demographics

MF Demographics

Country

Total

Pop.

%BPL

(Below

Poverty

 Line)

Rural %

Urban %

Es #MF

clients

Currently

Served

% Served

Ghana

24

39.5%

51.20%

48.80%

2.60

0.20

7.69%

Status of ASA International in Ghana ASA international has established an NGO namely ‘ASA Ghana’ in August – 07 through which it provides microfinance services in the greater Accra region.

Operational Coverage

Out of 10 regions in the country, ASA Ghana, at present is working in greater Accra  region. During last February it established 16 branches of which 6 branches are in Accra East district and the other 10 branches are in Accra West district.

Main Product and Feature

Context

Small / General Loan

Loan Ceiling  (1st loan)

GC 50-200/USD 38-155

Increased in later Ceiling

GC 50-100/ USD 38-96

Insurance/Loan Processing Fees

1%

No. of Installments

22

Loan Duration/ Period

6 month

Processing Time for 1st Loan

3-4 weeks

Grace Period

2 week

Performance (started lending in February 2008)

Particular

Up to December 2009

No. of Borrowers

19,740

No. of Loan Officer

85

No. of Borrowers per Loan Officer

232

Loan Outstanding (Principal) U$$

3,363,145

Avg. Outstanding per Borrower (U$$)

165

Portfolio per Loan Officer (U$$)

38,390

Source of Fund: Debt

 

Head Office

House # 847/10, Tetso Street, North Kaneshie (behind Dan's bar), Accra, Ghana

 

Contact: ghana@asa-international.com

Phone:  +233-545-304767