Only a month after the Long-Term Transformation (LTT) assignment under the FIRST+II program began at Manya Krobo Rural Bank, the vision of strengthening systems and building institutional confidence in MSME lending has already moved from planning to practice.

Through the LTT model, selected financial institutions receive dedicated, long-term technical support to reimagine how they serve MSMEs. At Manya Krobo, this has meant embedding a Long-Term Transformation Specialist (LTS) within the bank, working hand in hand with management and branch teams to refine lending approaches, accelerate loan origination, and strengthen internal capacity. The approach is designed not just to fix bottlenecks, but to create lasting systems that make MSME finance a sustainable driver of growth.

That vision took concrete form at the bank’s Ashaiman Branch, one of two pilot sites, where the team proudly disbursed its first LTT-backed MSME loan, a GHS 50,000 facility processed within just 24 hours. For the branch, this wasn’t just another transaction; it was proof that the systems being built work.

The Branch Manager noted how the new processes introduced through the assignment have made loan assessment and approval faster and more efficient. Guided by the LTS, staff have adopted improved credit appraisal tools, refined risk management practices, and adopted more customer-responsive approaches, all of which are helping the bank better serve youth- and women-owned enterprises that often face barriers to financing.

For Manya Krobo, this first disbursement validated weeks of structured training, mentorship, and internal alignment. For local MSMEs, it unlocked new opportunities to grow. And for the wider community, it restored confidence that local financial institutions can indeed deliver inclusive finance when systems and people work in sync.

While one loan may seem small, it represents a meaningful shift in mindset and practice. The bank is already seeing faster turnaround times, improved teamwork, and renewed staff motivation. New disbursements are being prepared with stronger documentation and deeper client engagement, evidence that the transformation is not abstract but actively shaping daily operations.

As one staff member put it, “This first loan is more than money leaving our books, it’s a sign that we are ready to serve differently, better, and with a stronger future in mind.”

With each new step, Manya Krobo Rural Bank is positioning itself as a model of inclusive MSME finance in its region. The LTT Assignment, piloted under the FIRST+II program, is proving that with the right systems, mentorship, and commitment, transformation is not only possible but also already underway.