LOCAL NEWS
Bessfa Rural Bank Celebrates 40 Years of Financial Empowerment, Honors Paramount Chief Zug-raan Naba Asigiri Abugrago Azoka II On the 23rd November, 2024.

Bessfa Rural Bank, one of Ghana’s pioneering rural banking institutions, has marked its 40th anniversary with a grand celebration, recognizing four decades of transformative financial services to the Upper East and North East Regions and beyond.
The event, held at the Tempane Senior High School Assembly Hall, brought together dignitaries, traditional authorities, stakeholders, shareholders and customers to commemorate the Bank’s achievements and its continued impact on community development.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Bessfa Rural Bank’s journey began on 26th November 1983 as an outgrowth of the Bawku East Small Scale Farmers Association (BESSFA), which itself was a product of the visionary work of the Presbyterian Agricultural Station-Garu (PAS-G). The Bank was established to provide accessible and sustainable financial services to rural communities, addressing the financial needs of farmers, traders, and small business owners.
The origins of Bessfa Rural Bank trace back to 1972 when PAS-G, under the leadership of Dutchman Karel A. Rigters, introduced the “Sungemeng” credit union, meaning “self-help” in the Kusaal language. This initiative laid the foundation for rural financial inclusion. Under the leadership of Mr. John Kofi Opata, the credit union evolved into the Bawku East Small Scale Farmers Association (BESSFA) in 1979, culminating in the establishment of the Bank in 1983.
Since its inception, Bessfa Rural Bank has grown into a pillar of economic empowerment, driving financial inclusion and community development across its operational areas.
A highlight of the 40th-anniversary celebration was the honoring of Zug-Raan, Naba Asigiri Abugrago Azoka II, Paramount Chief of the Kusaug Traditional Area. The Chief was presented with a citation recognizing his instrumental contributions to the success of the Bank.
His provision of land for the construction of the Bank’s Bawku branch, along with his efforts to foster collaboration between traditional authorities and financial institutions, has been pivotal to the Bank’s development. The citation praised his visionary leadership, dedication to sustainable development, and advocacy for financial inclusion, which have empowered vulnerable members of the community.
The Zug-raan’s commitment to economic growth and the welfare of his people exemplifies the partnership between traditional leadership and modern financial systems in advancing rural development.
A Vision for the Future
As Bessfa Rural Bank celebrates four decades of service, it looks forward to continuing its mission of empowering individuals and fostering economic resilience. The Bank reaffirmed its commitment to innovation, exceptional customer service, and driving sustainable development within its communities.
The anniversary celebration was an opportunity to reflect on the Bank’s achievements and outline its future vision of expanding its impact and uplifting more lives through accessible financial services.
Source: Bra Nash Tv