Prudential Bank holds financial literacy workshop for persons with disabilities

Prudential Bank hosted a financial literacy workshop for people with disabilities (PWDs) in Accra, aiming to enhance their comprehension of banking services and financial management. The event, organized in collaboration with Sightsavers International, focused on the theme "Advancing Financial Inclusion: Empowering Every Ability."

The gathering included individuals with disabilities, advocates, and financial professionals to address the challenges PWDs encounter while accessing formal financial services. Speaking on behalf of the Acting Managing Director, the Head of Commercial Banking, Fredrick Adomako-Ansah, emphasized that financial inclusion extends beyond merely offering banking services; customers must also know how to utilize them effectively.

Adomako-Ansah explained that financial inclusion means providing everyone with the opportunity to access and benefit from financial services. However, merely having access to finance is insufficient; understanding how to use it is what genuinely empowers an individual. The bank is actively working to eliminate physical, communication, and knowledge barriers that may hinder PWDs from accessing financial services.

Abdul Razak Mohammed, Programme Manager for Digital Futures Operations, Planning, and Finance at Sightsavers International, highlighted that financial inclusion for PWDs is a fundamental right. He pointed out that digital financial services could enable PWDs to manage their finances more independently but stressed the importance of making these services accessible in terms of design, communication, and delivery.

The workshop delved into personal financial management, the advantages of digital banking, and the secure use of Prudential Bank's USSD platform, which enables customers to access services without smartphones. Attendees were also informed about the bank's policies for customers with disabilities, such as priority service at its branches.

Prudential Bank introduced a Financial Inclusion for PWDs Policy, adhering to the Bank of Ghana's directive on equitable access to financial products. Additionally, frontline staff received training on serving customers with disabilities.

Participants expressed appreciation for the practical guidance offered during the workshop, underscoring the significance of such initiatives in promoting financial literacy and inclusion among PWDs.