This paper investigates the determinants of financial inclusion in northern Ghana, identifying factors affecting access to formal financial services, barriers to access, and the drivers of informal savings behaviour. The study employs a cross-sectional survey design, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods. A multi-stage sampling approach targeted 400 respondents; 338 valid questionnaires were completed and used for analysis (response rate: 84.5%) across three districts in northern Ghana. Logistic regression was used to identify the factors influencing financial inclusion and informal savings behaviour. Variables such as age, education, income, financial literacy, and mobile money usage impact financial inclusion. Barriers include lack of funds, documentation requirements, distance to financial institutions, and low financial literacy. Additionally, income, age, and trust in financial institutions affect informal savings behaviour. The findings imply that efforts to improve financial inclusion in northern Ghana should focus on enhancing financial literacy, expanding digital financial services, reducing documentation requirements, and tailoring financial products to low-income populations. Using empirical evidence, this study examines the primary determinants of financial inclusion in a relatively understudied region, thereby contributing to understanding financial inclusion in Ghana and similar settings, and informing policy and strategy development in the financial sector.
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