Let’s embrace the cooperative movement ethos of togetherness, mutual assistance

 The Ghanaian Times joined the rest of the world in celebrating this year’s International Day of Co­operatives held last Saturday, July 5, on the theme “Cooperatives: Driving Inclusive and Sus­tainable Solutions for a Better World.”

Cooperatives continue to operate in every sector of the economy worldwide, including agriculture, finance, housing, health, education, energy, retail, industry and services.

Having consistently demon­strated capabilities in advancing social justice, economic democ­racy, and ecological sustainabil­ity, cooperatives also offer pro­ficient, innovative and inclusive solutions to community needs.

This year’s theme resonates deeply in a world progressively driven by individualism and competition. The Ghanaian cultural fabric, based on the collected interests of all, is intertwined with threads of col­laboration and mutual support, which demonstrate that cooper­atives stand as a testament to the strength of communities.

Cooperatives have long been a cornerstone of Ghana’s development policy, particularly in rural areas where access to resources and markets can be challenging. The various associ­ations have empowered individ­uals through pooling resources, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities.

Faced with the challenges of climate change and economic instability, the role of coopera­tives, which predates the pre-in­dependence era, becomes even more critical in offering inno­vative solutions for the country to adapt to such challenges and foster resilience among commu­nities.

We believe that, by advo­cating sustainable practices, cooperatives can lead the way in promoting environmental stew­ardship while ensuring economic viability.

Despite their potential, cooperatives in Ghana still face significant hurdles involving limited access to capital, inade­quate infrastructure, and a lack of awareness about cooperative principles. The Ghana Co-oper­ative Council in 2024 expressed worry that the benefits of coop­eratives remain underwhelming as millions of people, especially small-holder farmers and local workers, continue to grapple with economic challenges that a well-organised cooperative sector could mitigate.

We believe that a concerted effort is needed among stake­holders, including government bodies, NGOs, and the private sector, to create an enabling environment for cooperatives. This includes providing training programmes that focus on good governance, financial manage­ment, and sustainable practices. By empowering cooperative leaders and members with the necessary skills, we can enhance their effectiveness and expand their reach.

As the day was celebrated globally, The Ghanaian Times ap­peals to all Ghanaians to recog­nise the transformative influence of cooperatives and to actively participate in their growth. Regardless of our various fields of endeavour, Ghanaians ought to consider how they can engage with or establish a cooperative due to its enormous potential.

The benefits of collective action have been profound, not only in terms of economic empowerment but also in fos­tering a sense of belonging and purpose.

We also call on the govern­ment to prioritise cooperative development in national policies by implementing supportive leg­islation and facilitating access to funding to unlock the full poten­tial of cooperatives as catalysts for sustainable development.

Let us embrace the spirit of unity that defines the various communities in the country, as the cooperative movement embodies the ethos of together­ness and mutual assistance. It is by working hand in hand that we can build a resilient future for all Ghanaians, guaranteeing that no one is left behind.