- History of GHACCUM
Our Story: The History of GHACCUM
The formation of the Ghana Association of Co-operative Credit Union Managers (GHACCUM) in October 1998 marked a significant milestone in the Credit Union movement in Ghana. The Association was established to bring together Credit Union Managers to share knowledge, promote best practices, and advocate for the growth and development of Credit Unions across the country.
Objectives of the Association
- To improve the managerial efficiency of Credit Union Managers.
- To build inter-credit union networking and cooperation.
Inception of GHACCUM
In 1998, under the CUA/CCA partnership programme, a two-month training workshop was organized for newly recruited Credit Union Managers. This workshop was facilitated by Mr. Emmanuel Oduro-Darko, then CCA Advisor to the Credit Union Association of Ghana (CUA). It was during this training that Mr. Darko proposed the formation of a professional association for Credit Union Managers — a proposal that was unanimously endorsed by the 53 participants.
This led to the formation of GHACCUM and the election of Mr. Bennet Wellington Ansah (Controller and Accountant General Credit Union) as the first President. Mr. Alex Frimpong Siaw (Hydro Co-operative Credit Union) succeeded him, followed by Mr. Kabina Otoo (University of Cape Coast Credit Union) in 2002.
The Association’s early conferences were held at Bunso Cocoa College until the adoption of a regional rotational system in 2003, starting with a conference in Wa.
- Brief History of GHACCUM
Challenges and Early Development
A major challenge in GHACCUM’s early years was the perception by CUA and some Primary Society Boards that GHACCUM was a pressure group. This led to limited support and, in some cases, refusal to allow managers to attend conferences.
In 1999, Mr. Oduro-Darko, leveraging his role as Africa Representative of the Canadian Co-operative Association and advisor to CUA, secured a five-year financial aid package for GHACCUM’s activities, lasting until 2004. He also advocated for and secured a resolution at the Biennial Conference to recognize GHACCUM officially. He was later made the Association’s first Live Patron, a role he held until his retirement in 2014.
Leadership instability plagued the Association in the early 2000s due to the resignation of elected leaders from their primary Credit Unions. Stability was restored with the election of Mr. Emmanuel Edor (Pharmacy Credit Union) as President.
- History of GHACCUM