From Petty Trader to Homeowner: Comfort’s Story

By Ernestina Esinam Glikpo | Communications Manager

When Comfort lost her husband, life became a daily struggle for her and her five children. In Ghana’s Ashanti Region, the family system often relies on men to provide, but Comfort had to step into that role herself, determined to put food on the table.

For years, Comfort scraped by as a petty trader in Kwaso, a community in Ashanti Region, selling whatever she could. But in 2007, her life took a transformative turn when she discovered Self-Help International (SHI). 

Comfort began with small loans to expand her trading business, moving from selling items on a table to operating a fufu machine. She invested in bulk trading of gari (cassava flakes) and Asante rice (a local rice) and eventually ventured into farming, cultivating cassava and maize.

With the income from these businesses, she was able to send three of her children to school while the other two pursued vocational training. Today, all her children are thriving and supporting her.

Through hard work and wise investment, Comfort’s business flourished. She took additional loans to grow her businesses and, in 2019, saved enough to purchase land. This woman, who once struggled to pay rent, is now the proud owner of a three-bedroom house. Her dedication and perseverance have provided a secure, comfortable home for her family.

“Since 2007, I have benefited greatly from SHI’s microcredit loan scheme. Thank you to SHI and its partners for supporting us,” Comfort expressed. “The loans have been a game-changer, allowing me to grow my business, educate my children, and build a home for my family. I am forever grateful for the opportunity.”

Comfort’s story is a shining example of how access to financial support can empower individuals to build better lives for themselves and their families. By providing small loans to entrepreneurs like Comfort, SHI empowers women to break the cycle of poverty and achieve their goals. Comfort’s success not only benefits her family but also contributes to the economic development of her community. 

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