The University of Cape Coast Co-Operative Credit Union Limited has held the maiden edition of Youth and Women’s Dialogue to equip them with skills and knowledge in finance and money management.
The event, themed “Empowering Women and Youth, Strengthening Co-operatives, Driving Inclusive Growth”, featured panel discussions, keynote presentations, and interactive consultations with stakeholders.
The dialogue served as a platform to recognize the critical role of youth and women in shaping the future of cooperatives and driving inclusive growth.
In a keynote address, the Head of Supervision of Ghana Cooperatives Credit Unions Associations, Mrs. Stella Tasa Mawunyo, told the youth that their empowerment was not just about being given opportunities, but it was about taking responsibility and proving their capacities.
“The youth who have the opportunity to serve today, and those who will receive opportunities tomorrow, must demonstrate through action that young people can deliver growth, innovation, and accountability,” she added.
Mrs. Mawunyo continued, “Your performance will pave the way for others, inspire confidence in the credit union, and change the narrative about youth capacity.
To that end, she called on Credit Unions to build structures that allow youth participation to thrive.
Head of Supervision, Ghana Cooperatives Credit Unions Associations, Mrs. Stella Tasa Mawunyo
“Credit Unions must create spaces such as youth and women committees, where young members could plan initiatives, lead projects, and prepare for future governance roles,” she said.
She called for mentorship and internship opportunities to allow young people to learn directly from experienced leaders who have the wisdom, networks, and experience to guide them, insisting that “…this only works when the youth avail themselves, seek training, listen, and apply what they learn.”
She added that the youth and women should be equipped with financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills.
“You must understand saving, responsible borrowing, and investment so that you can be financially empowered leaders, capable not only of building your own future but also of creating opportunities for others,” said Mrs. Mawunyo.
She used the occasion to commend the UCC Co-Operative Credit Union for the dialogue.
“When youth are properly trained, mentored, and trusted with responsibility, they stop being passive members and become active drivers of cooperative growth.
For her part, the chairperson of the UCC Co-Operative Credit Union, Mrs. Charity Abraham, commended the youth and women for their participation.
Chairperson of the UCC Co-Operative Credit Union, Mrs. Charity Abraham
She said having strategies for the future was vital for building successful businesses, adding that financial literacy was about having a mindset, skills, and planning to achieve financial breakthroughs.
Mrs. Abraham pointed out that financial literacy was one of the basic foundations of building a nation.
She announced that the union had unveiled new products to accommodate more members who were not part of its credit union and called on the youth and women in the Cape Coast Metropolis to join the credit union.
As part of the event, there were panel discussions on financial literacy, entrepreneurial mindset, investment opportunities, and networks.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC