A leading microfinance institution in Ghana, Opportunity International Savings and Loans Limited is working to extend its lending services to an online platform to ease the difficulties in accessing loans for businesses.
Chief Executive Officer, Kwame Owusu-Boateng, says the digital platform would allow clients to access loans from across the country while ensuring their safety on the internet.
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the non-banking financial institution is also strategizing to improve loan packages targeted at supporting women-led businesses and physically challenged persons.
In ensuring the convenience of customers in accessing services, Opportunity International Savings and Loans is promoting the use of its mobile application.
“Clients will no longer have to come to the physical branch to access a loan. From wherever you are you can access the loan. We already have the savings feature on the digital platform but we want to include the lending services, too,” CEO, Kwame Owusu-Boateng said.
Mr Owusu-Boateng was speaking on the sidelines of the company’s 20th-anniversary launch in Kumasi.
Established in 2004, Opportunity International Savings and Loans Limited focuses on lending services to agriculture, education and other sectors of the economy.
The thrift institution which began with only three branches now boasts 650,000 customers across its 38 branches nationwide, with women forming more than 65% of the clientele.
“Often men are the ones that access capital for their business.
Board Chair of the institution, Katey Assem says the institution is strategizing to sustain its position as one of the biggest savings and loans companies in Ghana.
“We should be poised and embrace the people with optimism and confidence. Continue to uphold the values of clients and remain committed to providing good customer service while we strategize to improve our services,” he said.
The institution currently boasts a loan portfolio balance of GH¢190.5 million, a deposit balance of GHS268.3 million and a total asset value pegged at GH¢407.7 million.
In the last two decades of transforming lives, some clients of the finance institution shared the benefits of becoming financially independent.
“I am grateful to the office who introduced me to Opportunity International. I am finally financially independent. I have been taking care of my children,” a client said.
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