First National Bank Ghana pioneers financial literacy programme for Persons with Disabilities

First National Bank Ghana has launched a financial literacy program specifically designed for individuals with disabilities, in collaboration with the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD). The initiative took place at the Ghana Federation of Persons with Disabilities conference hall in Accra, and attracted over 40 participants who underwent training in two of the bank's flagship financial literacy modules: "Understanding My Money" and "Growing My Money."

The program aimed to equip participants with practical knowledge to make informed financial decisions and enhance their economic wellbeing, focusing on areas such as effective money management, personal and business banking, and savings and investment strategies tailored to help persons with disabilities build long-term financial security.

Akweley Laryea, the Head of Retail Banking at First National Bank Ghana, emphasized the bank's commitment to financial inclusion, stating that it is about more than just providing access to banking services. It also requires equipping people with the necessary knowledge, confidence, and support to make informed financial decisions and achieve their goals.

Laryea reiterated that financial inclusion is a responsibility of the bank towards its diverse customers and stakeholders, and that they are continuously enhancing their products, services, and employee capabilities to create an accessible, respectful, and empowering banking experience for all.

The financial literacy program was part of a recent partnership between First National Bank and GFD aimed at enhancing the bank's ability to effectively serve persons with disabilities. As part of this collaboration, First National Bank also conducted a specialized disability inclusion training for its employees across various departments.

This training, facilitated by GFD's disability inclusion experts, provided the bank's staff with practical guidance on how to interact with and support customers with disabilities in an inclusive and respectful manner.

Rebecca Nunoo, the Senior Disability Inclusion Advisor at the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD), praised First National Bank for its proactive approach in advancing accessibility and inclusion within the financial services sector. She commended the bank for not only educating the community on financial matters but also for investing in the capacity of its employees to better understand and support the unique needs of persons with disabilities.

Nunoo noted that partnerships between the financial sector and disability advocacy organizations are crucial in breaking down barriers and ensuring equitable participation in Ghana's economy.