The traditional 'susu' box, also known as a piggy bank used for saving coins and monetary gifts, has become a widespread practice among Ghanaians.
This age-old habit is helping to challenge the narrative that Ghanaians have a poor saving culture, as many now share success stories of saving for lean seasons.
This man saved GHC2,838 from January to December 2019 using susu boxes
While the method has proven beneficial for many, a viral video has highlighted its potential risks.
A heartbreaking experience was shared on X by XGhana on October 8, 2024. The video shows a woman lamenting over a large sum of money she had saved in her 'susu' box, only to discover that it had been shredded by mice.
How to make savings matter from a young age
Her life savings, stored in a Susu box, were ravaged by rats when she finally opened it. pic.twitter.com/Y0Hl4ELIqy
— 𝕏 Ghana 🇬🇭 (@xghana_) October 8, 2024
Two mice can even be seen still shredding the torn currency, as the woman displays the few bills she managed to salvage from the box.
Despite this unfortunate incident, other videos on X tell a different story.
Several clips show individuals joyfully opening their 'susu' boxes to reveal thousands of cedis, serving as proof of the effectiveness of the practice.
These contrasting experiences highlight the dual nature of using the susu box for saving, a method that, while effective, requires careful planning to protect one’s hard-earned money from unexpected damage.
Watch the videos below:
Just opened my Susu box
— MissEnny (@MissEnny11) December 25, 2024
I think it should be about 7months
10,822gh😂😂 pic.twitter.com/5ajxmGqAbd
A student from Ghana creates the "susu box," an automated and sophisticated money-saving device.
— John Curtis (@Curtis_Og1) February 1, 2023
Blacko Ghana VGMA pic.twitter.com/EOykpSe8jh
Any lawyer here? Is there any law that can grab these guys for hoarding all the state coins? They’re the reason why shop keepers always Dey tell us “bra menni 1cedi o” pic.twitter.com/cr0R7uxXmS
— MrMane (@kin_Mane4u) January 26, 2025
VPO/MA
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