She was part of a small group of women who did many atypical things. She pushed the limits, and she was an entrepreneur. Hard work and dedication propelled Ocloo to do many firsts for both women and men. Ocloo was the first person to start a formal food processing business on the Gold Coast. After many trials and tribulations, Ocloo finally reached the peak of her success. Instead of gloating in all of her glory she offered women in her community her knowledge and support to help them achieve their own goals. “I wanted to see to it that women were equipped to help their children so they don’t suffer the same hardships. Women can contribute effectively, socially, economically and culturally,” said Ocloo. In this article, you will find the top 25 Facts about the pioneer of microlending and Women’s World Banking, Esther Afua Ocloo. She started her school career at Presbyterian primary school then later studied at co-educational boarding school at Peki Blengo. Ocloo dedicated her weekends to gathering local foods and cooking meals for the upcoming week for her and her family. She traveled to the school with her supplies at least twice a week. This helped Ocloo save enough money to help her further her education. Being the excellent student she was, she won a Cadbury scholarship to a co-ed high school in Accra. They ridiculed her and taunted her by comparing her to a street vendor with no education. Even though none of Ocloo’s peers stood behind her, her teachers saw the greatness she was about to become. Ocloo won a scholarship to Achimota School where she studied for five years and earned the Cambridge School Certificate. Ocloo’s marmalade went for a shilling a jar, which made her a 2 schilling profit. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to get her in the right direction! Thankfully, they sponsored her in getting her diploma from the Good Housekeeping Institute in London. Ocloo was honored by the prospect and was excited to further her education. Deep down, she knew that her studies wouldn’t stop there. She decided to take a Food Preservation Course at Long Ashton Research Station, Department of Horticulture southwest of London at Bristol University. She taught her students everything she knew from business skills to food preservation techniques. Her selfless attitude changed the lives of many women in her community. She would lend women small amounts of money to help them start their own businesses. She knew there were high risks in lending out her hard-earned cash but helping women achieve their own dreams to her was priceless. The loans were small, but the difference it made was extraordinary. Eventually, she knew she had to do more. It was a fight that was worth every effort. She was able to bring awareness to an issue that needed to be addressed. Ocloo formed a Bible Class and served on the synod committee. The other organization was the Unity Group of Practical Christianity. It was associated with Unity Worldwide Ministries. She had over 15 honors in her name. The most recent was from Google. On what would have been Ocloo’s 98th birthday Google featured her in their “Google Doodle.” With the help of former President Kwame Nkrumah, Ocloo became the first President of the Federation of Ghana Industries. With a higher platform, she was able to help even more people. With all the success, she was eventually made Executive Chairman of the National Food and Nutrition Board of Ghana When she reached the top of her wealth and success she turned around to reach down for other women to join her. In 1975 she was appointed as an adviser for the First World Conference on Women in Mexico. Ocloo became the first chairman of the Board of Directors for WWB. To this day that cooperation helps to empower women who came from underprivileged backgrounds. Then in 2001, Ocloo was presented with the African Entrepreneurship Award for her solutions to help increase food production in Africa They had one daughter, Vincentia and three sons, Christian, Vincent, and Steven Junior. Ocloo left her company, Nkulenu Industries, to her children. It is still in business today. Ocloo was granted a state funeral in her hometown of Peki Dzake. She was deeply loved by her country, hundreds of people gathered to show their respects at Ocloo’s public funeral ceremony. It’s a legacy that lives on, and one that continues to influence and change the lives of people. Without a doubt, Ocloo is smiling happily in heaven.
