Collective ownership key to success — FirstBank MD to staff
The Managing Director of FirstBank Ghana, Victor Yaw Asante, has called on staff to embrace collective ownership as the foundation of the bank’s journey towards sustainable growth.
At a recent staff engagement programme, Mr Asante stated that the bank’s future depended not only on leadership decisions but also on the responsibility and actions of every employee.
The staff engagement, also known as the MD’s Roadshow, brought together staff and management from across the country for a day of reflection, realignment, and renewed energy around the bank’s vision, values and customer-focused agenda.
The 2025 edition was on the theme: “ReCulture,” highlighting the bank’s renewed focus on building a culture anchored on values and behaviours that drive transformation.
Ownership
Mr Asante charged staff to take accountability for their roles and contributions, saying, “Ownership is not optional; it is the first important action for transformation.”
“Each of us must own our performance, own our decisions and own the collective future of FirstBank.
When we move with a sense of ownership, we stop waiting for change to happen and we become the change.
Together, our ownership will be the difference between being ordinary and being exceptional,” he added.
The Managing Director of FirstBank Ghana added that the breakfast for strategy was culture, which meant that “no matter how brilliant an organisation’s business strategy is, if the company's culture is not aligned or if it's toxic, its strategy will fail.”
Culture is the collective behaviours, attitudes, beliefs and values that drive a company.
DMD’s introduction
One of the highlights of the staff engagement was the formal introduction of Mr Osahon Ogieva as the newly appointed Deputy Managing Director of FirstBank Ghana.
His appointment represents a new phase in the bank’s leadership structure. Alongside Mr Asante and members of the Management Committee, Mr Ogieva interacted directly with staff, reaffirming leadership’s commitment to driving innovation, strengthening customer service, and positioning the bank for sustainable growth.
His presence was warmly received as staff embraced the message of renewal and forward momentum.
Financial overview
The staff engagement also provided an opportunity for senior executives to share key updates with staff.
Delivering the financial overview, the Chief Financial Officer, Semiu Lamidi, gave a candid update on the bank’s performance, outlining progress made while calling attention to areas requiring sharper focus.
“Our numbers tell a story, one of steady progress but also of untapped opportunity. Targets are not achieved by chance, they are achieved by consistency, discipline, and teamwork.
Every staff member has a role to play in turning ambition into achievement, and when we align our efforts, the results will speak for themselves,” he stated.
The Head of Human Capital Management and Development, Naa Adokailey Amoah, highlighted the central role of ReCulture, FirstBank Ghana’s cultural reset initiative.
She reminded staff that culture was not defined by slogans but by consistent behaviours.
“ReCulture starts with each of us. It is about being intentional, embracing training, nurturing growth, and showing up with the right mindset every day. Our culture is what we consistently do, and each member of staff has the power to shape it and drive our collective success,” Ms Amoah stated.
Drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi, he emphasised the power of belief and mindset, “If I believe I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it. This truth must guide us at FirstBank,” she stated.
Context
The 2025 MD’s Roadshow reaffirmed FirstBank Ghana’s dedication to building a people-first culture anchored on its values of entrepreneurial, professionalism, innovation, and customer-centricity (EPIC) and to create an environment where employees are inspired, empowered, and equipped to deliver sustainable growth.
