By Juliet ETEFE
FirstBank Ghana has commited over GHȼ200,000 for donations, infrastructure, supporting education, an orphanage and treatments for children with cancer.
In line with its 2024 corporate responsibility and sustainability week, the bank donated GHȼ25,000 to Village of Hope Orphanage, GHȼ30,000 to Lifeline for Childhood Cancer Foundation, GHȼ50,000 to Making Learning Happen and invested about GHȼ130,000 in infrastructure (water storage tank or reseviors) for Manhean TMA 1 JHS, Manhean TMA Primary B and Manhean Anglican Primary C.
The Village of Hope Orphanage supports students; Music for Quality Feet supports the provision of a recreational centre and library at the Nyame Dua Children’s Home in Accra; Lifeline for Childhood Cancer Foundation works for children with cancer; and Making Learning Happen, raises funds for the provision of desks and chairs for deprived public primary schools across the country.
The annual CR&S Week aimed at supporting local communities and reinforcing the bank’s commitment to ethical, responsible and sustainable business practices.
Themed ‘SPARK: A way of life’, it is designed to encourage employees and stakeholders to perform acts of random kindness – emphasising the humane aspect of corporate responsibility.
In an address, Managing Director and CEO-FirstBank Ghana, Victor Yaw Asante, highlighted the CR&S Week’s importance; emphasising that it is not just an opportunity to give back but also a moment to reflect on the bank’s core values and how they can positively impact the communities they serve.
He added that it allows the bank to actively engage with local communities and make a lasting positive impact on their lives, while also strengthening the bank’s reputation and brand value.
“This year’s celebration of our annual CR&S Week is ample proof of how committed we are to putting our communities and you first. We work with partners who share our vision, who have our values, who try to do stuff the way we do it.
“For us at FirstBank, it is a matter of habit attending to the needs of our communities and delivering value to them,” he stated.
Mr. Asante also noted that the bank’s CSR efforts are not just about financial contributions but also staff involvement.
He said some of the most successful initiatives have been driven by staff who take the lead in fundraising and volunteering, citing one unit within the bank that earlier raised GHȼ50,000 for the Lifeline for Childhood Cancer Foundation.
He further encouraged staff to not only participate in these charitable activities but go a step further by spending time with the beneficiaries, understanding their needs and ensuring that the support provided truly makes a difference.
Appreciation
The organisations which benefitted from the donation expressed their gratitude to FirstBank. Ransford Nunu, Headmaster-Manhean TMA 1 JHS, acknowledged that the donation has significantly improved the school’s educational environment.
He mentioned that the support has helped prevent students – who might have otherwise dropped out due to poor conditions – from abandoning their education.
He also appealed for continued support, especially for educational initiatives in Tema New Town.
Franklin Amoako, a 20-year-old cancer survivor who received funding from Lifeline for Childhood Cancer Ghana throughout his treatment, also expressed his appreciation. Having successfully completed his treatment, Franklin is now teaching Mathematics and English to other patients and thanked FirstBank for their vital support.
