Beyond Mobile Money: The Quiet Struggle to Modernize Ghana’s Ancient Susu System
- The 2025 Global Findex Report shows that 36% of Ghanaian women save formally, but men are still 7 percentage points more likely to do so.
- The Susu system serves as a critical counterweight to financial exclusion, particularly for women facing barriers with formal banks.
- Susu Collectors, ROSCAs, and ASCRAs are key components of the diverse Susu ecosystem, providing various savings and credit options.
The Susu system is a vital financial resource for many, particularly women in Ghana. However, its future hinges on the ability to adapt to modern financial demands without losing its community essence. A balanced approach to digitization and formalization is crucial to ensure its sustainability and continued relevance in the evolving financial landscape.
