A total of 200 persons with disabilities from various organisations across the Greater Accra Region have benefited from a one-day financial literacy programme organised by Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG).
The programme, organised in partnership with Korklu's Foundation, a humanitarian and development organisation, and the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations, was meant to equip participants with practical financial skills while strengthening their economic independence.
The initiative was also aimed at reflecting the CBG’s dedication to creating equal opportunities for all, regardless of physical ability.
Aside from providing training on financial literacy and economic empowerment, the bank opened new accounts for the participants, and made an undisclosed initial deposit into each beneficiary's account.
Training
The event, held at Nungua in the Krowor Municipality in the Greater Accra Region, featured inspirational speeches encouraging participants not to allow their physical conditions to limit their opportunities for economic empowerment.
The training was designed to equip persons with disabilities with practical financial knowledge and skills to help them to save, plan, invest, and build sustainable livelihoods.
It also included an exhibition of products made by some of the participants, including beads, slippers, jewellery, soaps, handwoven bags, assorted creams, and perfumes.
Participants were drawn from various disability groups and associations in Nungua, Teshie, La, Tema, Osu, and other neighbouring communities.
Notable among the dignitaries were Deputy Managing Director of CBG, Sheila Azuntaba; Relationship Manager of the Bank of Ghana, Yao Letsa; CEO of Korklu Foundation, Dorcas Naa Afotey; CBG Branch Manager, Elizabeth Sagoe; Head of Business and Inclusive Banking of CBG, Emmanuel Nikoi; Director, CBG Women's Banking, Vivian Adjei, and representative from Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations, Alex Tetteh.
Commitment
Ms Azuntaba reaffirmed the CBG’s commitment to financial inclusion and economic empowerment during thre financial literacy training programme for beneficiaries of the programme.
She said true financial inclusion went beyond opening bank accounts to providing people with the knowledge, confidence, and tools needed to save, invest, start businesses and achieve financial independence.
Ms Azuntaba highlighted financial literacy as a critical driver of economic development, enabling individuals to make informed financial decisions, manage resources effectively and build sustainable livelihoods.
She added that the programme aligned with CBG’s sustainability agenda, particularly the goals of reducing inequalities and promoting inclusive economic growth.
"At Consolidated Bank, we believe financial inclusion transcends beyond opening bank accounts. Personally, I think it's about opening doors of opportunities," she said.
Financial inclusion
Founder of the Korklu's Foundation, Ms Afotey, described the foundation’s partnership with CBG as a significant step toward promoting financial literacy and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities.
She said the initiative was driven by the belief that every individual deserved the opportunity to achieve financial independence.
Ms Afotey commended CBG for embracing the foundation’s vision of advancing financial inclusion, saying the collaboration demonstrated the impact of partnerships in creating opportunities for vulnerable groups.
She encouraged participants to actively engage in the training and apply the knowledge gained to make informed financial decisions that would improve their quality of life.
She also called for renewed commitment from all stakeholders to build a more inclusive society where persons with disabilities had equal opportunities to thrive.
Applying skills
Mr Letsa of the BoG encouraged participants to take full advantage of financial literacy programmes to strengthen their financial management skills and improve their economic well-being.
He further urged participants to utilise the range of financial products and services available through financial institutions to grow their businesses, improve their financial resilience and contribute to economic development at the community level.
He expressed optimism that the knowledge gained from the programme would empower participants to make sound financial choices and create sustainable economic opportunities for themselves.
