CBG commits GH¢55m to support 3,000 women, youth under GWYESCO programme

Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG) has pledged GH¢55 million to support 3,000 women and youth through the Ghana Women and Youth Employment and Social Cohesion (GWYESCO) Programme. The initiative, managed by the Social Investment Fund (SIF), aims to enhance resilience and living conditions of women and youth by fostering job creation, entrepreneurship, access to finance, and skills development.

During the signing of a loan agreement in Accra on August 12, 2026, CBG's Managing Director Dr Naomi Wolali Kwetey announced that the funds would be disbursed in phases over 36 months. The initial tranche, comprising 25% of the total sum, will support around 800 beneficiaries. Dr Kwetey emphasized CBG's dedication to transparent selection processes, robust credit appraisal, timely disbursement, and rigorous monitoring.

The GWYESCO Programme, active from 2026 to 2028, targets individuals aged 18 to 35 and women aged 18 and above, focusing on STEM, digital, and creative skills training. It will be implemented in the Central, Eastern, and Northern Regions, with an emphasis on improving access to finance for women- and youth-owned MSMEs. Beyond employment and entrepreneurship, the programme aims to foster peace-building and social cohesion in regions affected by conflict, extremism, poverty, and climate change.

CBG's Acting Chief Executive Officer, Abass Nurudeen, highlighted that CBG led the financing efforts, with Apex Bank and Ghana Commercial Bank as additional partners. He stated that the funding would provide crucial support to entrepreneurs and alleviate unemployment and socio-economic vulnerabilities, contributing to sustainable livelihoods and social stability.