The Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Konrad Adenauer Memorial Co-operative Credit Union (KAMCCU), Emmanuel Oduro Darko, has called on low- and medium-income earners to join co-operative credit unions to improve their finances and build long-term stability.

He urged workers in the informal and formal sectors to embrace a disciplined savings culture and community-based financial systems that support small income growth into sustainable livelihoods.

Mr Darko made the call during KAMCCU’s 22nd Annual General Meeting held on Saturday, June 21, in Accra.

The meeting was used to present committee reports, elect new executives and review policy direction for the coming year.

In an interview with the Daily Graphic after the event, Mr Darko explained that co-operative credit unions such as KAMCCU helped to translate small regular savings into meaningful capital for business expansion, education and household support.

He stressed that such institutions required commitment to financial discipline and active participation from members to achieve development outcomes.

“People are accepting the poverty syndrome.

I encourage individuals to adopt long-term financial planning habits that could change their circumstances over time," he said. 

The chairman also urged incoming board members to lead with patience and empathy.

"Effective leadership in the credit union movement depends on empathy rather than academic qualifications alone.

You should have a feeling for humanity, and you must remain accessible to members at all times," he said.

Mr Darko also explained that credit union leadership demanded personal sacrifice and continuous engagement with members, particularly low-income earners who often required guidance and reassurance.

He also urged the incoming leaders to prepare for the realities of serving diverse membership groups. 

“Don’t expect all of them to behave the same way,” he said and explained that financial stress often influenced member behaviour and communication styles within the cooperative system.

“A lot of the members can get frustrated, but the board members should guide them appropriately and approach their duties with confidence and self-improvement rather than judgement," he said.