Madina Sancha VISACA holds AGM, authorities tell villagers to make more deposits

The AGM brought together dignitaries from the Global Youth Innovation Network Gambia chapter (GYIN Gambia chapter), the Central Bank of the Gambia (CBG), VISACA Apex as well as the villagers and the satellite villages.

Rural Finance Project (RFP) of International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Government of The Gambia (GOTG) foster self-sustaining rural Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) such as VISACAs.

VISACAs across the country have provided access to financial services, putting an end to their members’ dependence on shopkeepers and moneylenders.

Delivering his welcoming remarks on the occasion, the Alkalo of Medina Sancha, Mbye Ceesay, thanked the dignitaries and villagers for their participation in the AGM, which, according to him, showed their commitment towards the success of the bank.

The Village VISACA president, Aja Sohna Ceesay, for her part, hailed the community and the satellite villagers for honoring the AGM invitation, noting that because of V-Apex’s good monitoring and supervision they have continued to operate in the village.

She appealed on behalf of the village women for development organisations, UN Agencies and the government to provide them with a market and a vegetable garden.

Baboucarr Touray, Village Development Committee (VDC) chairman, lauded the efforts of the V-Apex in helping VISACAs holding regular AGMs, saying AGMs are important as they discuss relevant issues.

“We all know what we are benefitting from this village bank directly or indirectly,” he said, calling on the community to double up their efforts, particularly in settling their loans on time to sustain the VISACAs and make more deposits in the village bank.”

Speaking on behalf of the V-Apex, Fanding Darboe expressed delight at the way Medina Sancha community is operating the village bank.

He said there is still need for improvement, particularly in making savings at the bank.

Mr Darboe also said the percentage of people making savings is still below expectations.

His words: “Records have shown that the number of people taking loan is still high than the number of people making savings with the bank.

“There is need for change. The people should know that the bank is not for V-Apex but for the people of Medina Sancha and the satellite villages.

“We want you to increase savings in your bank so there can be profit; if that happens, in few years’ time there will be no need for credit or loan from outside Medina Sancha.’’

Also speaking on the occasion, the representative of Central Bank of The Gambia (CBG), Siaka Bah, who is Principal Microfinance Officer at the Bank, described Medina Sancha VISACA as one of the best village banks in the country, while urging members to make more deposits.

“We are happy to witness your AGM and that is why we will also share our ideas and knowledge on how best to operate your bank,” Mr Bah said.

“Village banks ensure that villagers have a secure place to keep their savings and end their dependence on moneylenders.”

He also called on the Medina Sancha community to increase savings and pay loans on time to maintain the bank’s smooth operation as well as save for the future.