Opportunity International Savings and Loans Ltd. (OISL), a leading savings and loans institution in Ghana, celebrated its 20th anniversary with a grand dinner at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra on June 7, 2024.

Licensed by the Bank of Ghana in June 2004, OISL operates in 10 out of 16 regions, boasting 35 branches and three agencies.

The company provides innovative financial and non-financial services, focusing on bringing underserved clients into mainstream financial services and advancing financial inclusion.

The anniversary dinner showcased OISL's journey and achievements over the past two decades.

The event attracted shareholders, traditional rulers, government officials, past and present board members, partner organizations, media, management, staff, and esteemed clients.

Key Guests and Addresses

Dr Ernest Addison, Governor of the Central Bank of Ghana, was the special guest of honour.

Other notable attendees included His Royal Majesty Dr Nii Ayi-Bonte II, Nii Abossey Okai III, Rev. Dr. Kwabena Darko (first Board Chairman of OISL), Katey Assem (immediate past Board Chairman), Ms. Alberta Quarcoopome (current Board Chairperson), and Mr. Kwame Owusu-Boateng (CEO of OISL). Guests from partner institutions in Uganda, the UK, and the USA were also present.

In his speech, Dr. Addison urged savings and loan companies to enhance corporate governance practices to facilitate operational expansion.

He emphasised the Central Bank’s commitment to ensuring financial institutions adhere to regulatory requirements, fostering trust and confidence in the sector.

Dr. Addison also encouraged collaboration with banks and telecom companies to embrace emerging technologies and assured continued engagement to address sector challenges.

Celebrating Success and Future Goals

Mr. Katey Assem, the immediate past Board Chairman, welcomed guests and celebrated OISL's resilience and success.

He credited the institution's achievements to sound corporate governance, risk management, accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct.

Mr. Assem introduced Ms. Alberta Quarcoopome as the new Chairperson of the Board and expressed optimism for OISL's future under her leadership.

CEO Mr Kwame Owusu-Boateng reiterated the company’s commitment to regulatory compliance and highlighted its growth from three branches in 2004 to 35 branches and three agencies, serving over 668,000 clients.

He noted OISL's focus on education, agriculture, and the services sector, providing both financial and tailor-made non-financial services.

He also highlighted OISL's 45 industry awards since 2018, innovative products like the Empowerment Loan for the physically challenged, and pioneering micro-insurance with Micro Ensure (now Turaco Ghana Limited).

Honouring Long-Serving Staff

The event honoured pioneering staff who have served OISL for 20 years, celebrating the institution's impact on individuals and communities in Ghana.

OISL reaffirmed its commitment to its core values of commitment, humility, respect, integrity, stewardship, and transformation.