The Balungu market is a popular shopping point for many in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region. Shoppers here can get a variety of fresh farm produce, some crafts, and many other things they may need for their homes.
But for those who may be looking for a quick, affordable meal, they may follow the aroma of freshly prepared light soup wafting through the air. Behind the counter of this stall, Nyaamah Aguulo sits. She has been at this spot, filling the bellies of hungry shoppers and fellow market traders for years.
Humble Beginnings.
Nyaamah’s story began over a decade ago when she started her light soup business. Her husband, a butcher in the Balungu market, initially resisted her request to use leftover meat parts and innards to prepare and sell soup.
Eventually, he relented, and what started as a small initiative grew into her primary means of supporting her family after his untimely death.
“When I began, people in the community didn’t fancy light soup much, and business was slow,” she recalled. “But I wanted to support my family and become self-reliant. That determination kept me going.”
A Cycle of Unplanned Spending
While Nyaamah was dedicated to her business, poor financial habits held her back for years. She sold her soup and kilikili (a local delicacy) without tracking her expenses or calculating profits.
Her income often disappeared into extravagant purchases—clothes for funerals and social events, school uniforms, and other non-essential items—without consideration for her business’s sustainability.
“I was spending without a plan,” Nyaamah admitted. “I didn’t think about the costs or whether I was even making a profit. I just spent the money as it came in.”
The stress of providing for her family after her husband’s death compounded her struggles. “I was constantly worried about how to care for my children,” she shared. “It affected my mental health, and I often had severe headaches. I didn’t rest; I was always busy, trying to make ends meet.”
The Turning Point
Nyaamah’s life changed when she participated in a training program organized by the Widows and Orphans Movement (WOM) in partnership with the KGL Foundation. The program, Advancing Financial Inclusion and Women’s Entrepreneurship, aimed to empower women like her with financial literacy and mental well-being tools.
One moment stood out for Nyaamah during the training: the “leaky bucket” demonstration. The trainer used a bucket riddled with holes, with water pouring out, to symbolize how poor financial habits drain income. “It made me realize I was running my business the same way,” she said. “The money was coming in, but I didn’t see it because it was flowing out through unnecessary expenses.”
She also learned the importance of saving, not only through her Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) but also in formal banking systems.
A New Approach
Today, Nyaamah manages her business with discipline and purpose. After each day’s sales, she calculates her expenses, deducts them from her income, and saves the surplus in her bank account and VSLA. She has significantly reduced her spending on non-essential items and focuses on reinvesting in her business.
This newfound financial stability has brought tangible benefits to her family. “My daughter is now in senior high school,” Nyaamah said to A1 Radio’s Mark Smith with pride. “That wouldn’t have been possible without the training.”
Mental Well-Being and Resilience
The training also addressed her mental health, offering strategies to cope with the stress she had been carrying for years. “I learned to identify what was causing my stress and to make time for rest,” she shared. “Now, I rest on some days, and the constant worrying has reduced.”
Nyaamah also appreciated the storytelling sessions during the training, where women shared their struggles without fear of judgment. “It was therapeutic,” she said. “I’ve even stopped buying drugs randomly when I feel unwell. Now, I go to the clinic for proper diagnosis and treatment.”
A Woman Reborn
Nyaamah’s journey from unplanned spending to financial discipline has transformed her life. Her business is thriving, her children’s future is secure, and she has found peace of mind. “I’m grateful for the training,” she said. “It didn’t just change my business; it changed my entire outlook on life.”
Source: A1Radioonline.Com | 101.1MHz | Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith | Bolgatanga
