The financial mechanism for the poor: Evidence from Ghana

Abstract

Traditionally, it is assumed without empirical evidence, that poor people are too poor to save hence hove been ignored by formal financial institutions. However, there exists a body of evidence showing the saving powers of the poor when given the chance. This paper presents some of the financial instruments used by poor people and gives brief discussions on the types of savings tools poor people use. These tools, the Rotating Saving Credit Associations (ROSCAs) and the Susu system, are traced to their historical roots. We then use data to show that clients of a microfinance institution actively use these savings instruments to raise lump sum. The data show that clients use several saving instruments in addition to the institutions compulsory dues. These savings tools, ignored by the financial sector could be used to mobilize deposits from the poor people by the sector. It is envisaged that both the formol and informal financial sectors would learn from such ancient savings institutions to mobilize deposits from poor households.