About GHASSFIN

Ghana Association of Financial Non-Governmental Organisations

Our Vision

Sustainable, responsible, financial inclusion for every low-income household.

Our Mission

As the APEX for all Financial NGOs in Ghana, we partner with stakeholders to influence microfinance regulations and policies; research, source and share cutting edge microfinance resources, knowledge, standards, innovation and technology with FNGOs to enable them deepen financial inclusion.

How We Achieve This:

  • We are the APEX for all FNGOs in Ghana
  • We partner with stakeholders through advocacy to influence regulation and policies
  • We research, source and share cutting edge resources, knowledge, standards, innovation and technology

Our Corporate Goal

To contribute to poverty reduction through responsible and sustainable micro finance operations in Ghana.

32
Total Members (2022)
27
Active Members
90%
Average Active Rate
5
Regional Zones

Organizational Status

Registered as a company limited by guarantee and functions as an 'Agent Association' supporting the Bank of Ghana's regulatory supervision.

Our Core Values

These values guide our work and define our commitment to the communities we serve.

Transparency

We provide relevant information on activities and programmes to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.

Stewardship

Creating accountable and committed members and committed secretariat governing team willing to build.

Partnership

Increase collaboration with stakeholders to enhance accountable mandate and service delivery.

Participation

We ensure our members understand, appreciate and participate in governance and decision making.

Our Aims & Objectives

GHASSFIN works to strengthen the financial inclusion landscape through these key objectives.

Umbrella Organization & Networking

We bring members under one umbrella organization and develop professional relationships among members and all stakeholders in the microfinance ecosystem.

  • Unified representation of FNGOs
  • Professional relationship development
  • Stakeholder engagement

Advocacy & Policy Influence

We partner with apex bodies and networks to build a unified front for lobbying government, development partners and regulatory bodies to influence microfinance policies.

  • Government lobbying
  • Policy influence
  • Regulatory advocacy

Standards & Capacity Building

We provide acceptable operating standards of practice, monitor member operations, and build capacity to empower clients for sustainable businesses and livelihoods.

  • Operating standards development
  • Code of conduct enforcement
  • Member capacity building

Financial Inclusion Goals

Through our work, members are able to deepen financial inclusion by ensuring:

Affordable Access

Access at reasonable cost for all households to a full range of financial services, including savings, payments, credit and insurance

Sound Institutions

Sound and safe institutions governed by clear regulation and industry performance standards

Sustainability

Financial and institutional sustainability to ensure continuity and certainty of investment

Competition & Choice

Competition to ensure choice and affordability for clients

Our History

The Ghana Association of Financial Non-Governmental Organization, being the Apex body of Financial Non-Governmental Organizations, was inaugurated in Tamale in October 2005 during the celebration of the United Nation's International Year of Microfinance.

GHASSFIN was established to bring together all the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) involved in financial intermediation. Our constitution was promulgated in 2005 and first reviewed in 2008 to guide the operations of the Association.

With the advent of regulation of the industry by the Bank of Ghana in 2011, together with the setting up of the Association's Secretariat and appointment of an Executive Secretary, it became necessary for the Constitution to be revised to respond to the changing trends of the industry.

View Our Resources
October 2005
Foundation in Tamale
GHASSFIN inaugurated during UN International Year of Microfinance to unite financial NGOs.
2005
First Constitution
Initial constitution promulgated to guide Association operations.
2008
Constitution Review
First constitutional review to improve organizational structure and operations.
2011
Industry Regulation
Bank of Ghana begins industry regulation; Secretariat established with Executive Secretary.
2015
Constitutional Revision
4th AGM resolves to revise constitution to respond to changing industry trends.
2016
New Constitution Approved
5th AGM at CUTRAC, Kasoa approves the revised constitution.

Our Governance Structure

GHASSFIN is governed by a Board of Directors (National Executive Council) and supported by specialized committees and a professional secretariat.

Board of Directors (NEC)

National Chairman

Overall leadership and strategic direction

National Vice-Chairman

Deputy leadership and support

Regional Chairpersons

South-East, South-West, Southern zones

Northern Zone Chairpersons

Three Northern zone representatives

Supporting Committees

Finance and Audit Committee

Standing Committee

Financial oversight and audit supervision

Governance Committee

Governance oversight and policy development

Communication & Member Services

Member engagement and communication strategy

GHASSFIN Secretariat

Management Team

Executive Secretary and senior management providing strategic leadership and operational oversight

Professional Staff

Dedicated team implementing programs, services, and day-to-day administrative functions

The Secretariat undertakes the administrative function of the Association through professional management and staff

Regional Zone Structure

Northern Zones (3)

Three distinct zones covering the northern regions of Ghana

Southern Zones (2)

Two zones covering the southern regions including South-East and South-West

Our Products & Services

GHASSFIN provides comprehensive services to enhance member institution capacity while protecting the safety and soundness of the financial system as an Agent Association of the Bank of Ghana.

Services to Bank of Ghana

Member Mobilization & Registration

Facilitating member recruitment and registration processes

License Application Processing

Supporting members through licensing procedures and requirements

Monitoring & Reporting

Continuous monitoring and reporting on FNGO activities and performance

Public Education

Educational programs for public awareness and financial literacy

Ethical Standards Implementation

Implementing and enforcing industry norms and ethical standards

Performance Reporting

Regular reporting on Association performance and impact

Services to Members

Capacity Building

Training programs and technical assistance to strengthen institutional capabilities

Advocacy

Policy advocacy and representation of member interests at national level

Research & Knowledge Management

Research initiatives and knowledge sharing platforms for best practices

Funding Support

Facilitating access to funding opportunities and financial resources

Strategic Repositioning (2023-2027)

Our current strategic plan focuses on repositioning GHASSFIN to strengthen key areas for enhanced effectiveness:

✓ Governance organizational framework enhancement

✓ Operational and administrative effectiveness

✓ Member regulatory compliance management

✓ High-level quality member services delivery

✓ Financial sustainability of the Association

✓ Active stakeholder engagement in microfinance industry

Join Our Mission

Partner with us to advance financial inclusion and create lasting impact in Ghana's communities.