Celebrating Motherhood: EmpowerMom Brings Financial Literacy and Joy to Rural Ghanaian Communities

In the heart of rural Ghana, where opportunities are scarce and resources are limited, a remarkable movement is taking shape. EmpowerMom, a visionary initiative by the Abokobi Area Rural Bank, with support from the Tima Kumkum Foundation and Vice Versa Media Ghana, is illuminating the lives of mothers and their families, bringing hope and transformation to these underserved communities.

By providing financial literacy training, Glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (G6PD) awareness campaign, entrepreneurial skills, and a supportive network, the EmpowerMom event, which was held on the 11^th of May, is empowering rural Ghanaian women to break free from the shackles of poverty and unlock their full potential. As we delve into the stories of these incredible women, we’ll discover how EmpowerMom’s innovative approach is not only improving their economic wellbeing but also fostering a sense of joy and confidence. Join us on this inspiring journey as we celebrate the triumphs of motherhood and the transformative power of EmpowerMom in rural Ghana.

EmpowerMom, an initiative to impact the lives of mothers in rural communities.

EmpowerMom

The Marketing and Business Development Officer of Abokobi Area Rural Bank, Louisa Osei-Gyamera stated the objective of this program, which is an initiative to impact the lives of mothers in the rural community. “This year, we wanted to do something different for our mothers than just giving them gifts. Women are supportive of their families; they are their husband’s back bone. Hence, we partnered with Tima Kumkum foundation to educate mothers on financial literacy for future purposes.”’

Louisa Osei-Gyamera – Marketing and Business Development Officer of Abokobi Area Rural Bank

Financial Literacy; the importance of savings

Under Financial Literacy, the Operations Manager for the Abokobi Area Rural Bank, Martin Quarshie, advised mothers to develop the habit and discipline of saving. He said “Savings are important in running personal and household projects like paying rents, child’s tuition fees and for other emergent purposes. It helps you manage debt and plan a comfortable life after retirement.” He added, “Avoid impulse buying and start saving now. Take your savings first before you spend your money.”

Martin Quaye – Operations Manager, Abokobi Area Rural Bank

G6PD Deficiency

Research by MedlinePlus Genetics explains that Glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (G6PD) is a genetic disorder that affects the red blood cells, which carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues throughout the body. In affected individuals, a defect in the G6PD enzyme causes red blood cells to break down prematurely.

The most common problem associated with this deficiency is hemolytic anemia which leads to dark urine, jaundice, fatigue, shortness of breath, and a rapid heart rate.

In an interview with the renowned media personality, Cynthia Tima Yeboah, popularly known as Tima Kumkum, shared her journey with (G6PD) and the need to create awareness and save lives.

Cynthia Tima Yeboah – Media Personality

“I am a G6PD defect. I inherited it from my dad, and I nearly lost my life when I had my first child. I had the defect and had lived with it for 25 years but only knew about it when I was pregnant. In Ghana, the only time you know you have G6PD as a woman, is when you get pregnant and go for antenatal care. A full blood count and G6PD tests are done at this stage.”

She mentioned that she came close to losing her life after consuming a medication containing Sulphur. “G6PD defects are not supposed to take any medicine containing Sulphur. I took a drug containing Sulphur which was prescribed by a certified midwife, and I did not know.”

Tima Kumkum (green) and some market women of Abokobi

Knowing your status, reading and having knowledge about the deficiency is what she encourages everyone to do. “G6PD is not curable. Get tested, know your status and save your life” – she said.

Conclusion

Mother’s Day is a special occasion that allows everyone to express their deepest gratitude to all women who have shaped our lives with their love, sacrifices and the unwavering support they give us every day.