GENDER DIMENSION OF THE ROLE OF MOBILE MONEY SERVICE IN DRIVING FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN THE TOLON DISTRICT OF NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

The study was undertaken to analyse gender dimension of the role of mobile money services on financial inclusion in the Tolon District of the Northern region of Ghana. The study adopted a descriptive study design in achieving the study objective. The study used 200 men and 200 women for this study. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from primary and secondary sources for the study. Questionnaire, interview guide, focus group discussion and observational check list were the main data collection instruments used to guide data collection. The qualitative data were transcript and analysed using open coding and summarization to identify main and sub-themes characterizing the information gathered. Also, descriptive, and inferential statistics were applied in analyzing the quantitative data collected and results presented in tables, charts, and graphs. The study revealed that majority (54%) of both male and female were within their Middle Ages of 35 – 50 years. The further study found significant relationship between male and female in the type of livelihood activities they engaged in. Additionally, only 19% of female respondents had bank accounts compares with 35.5% of their male counterparts. The study shown a statistically significant difference between women and men in their participation in of (VSLAs), with a Pearson Chi-Square (χ2) = 49.515; df = 1; P-value = 0. 000. The mean knowledge index score of females was 2.15 (SD = 2.52) and that of male was 3.76 (SD = 3.06) with average mean difference between female and male being 1.604. The recommends that the ministry of finance and national communication authority should consider the plight of the poor and vulnerable rural households’ members when implementing the electronic levy policy as these rural households’ members are now using mobile money wallets as alternative banking services.