FirstBank Ghana holds annual health walk

Last Saturday, hundreds of staff members of FirstBank Ghana, along with their families and friends, participated in a massive health walk at Ayi Mensah in Greater Accra. The enthusiastic group climbed the Aburi hills near the Peduase Lodge, accompanied by lively music from a brass band.

With sweat pouring from their bodies and the strain of the walk taking its toll, the walkers persevered to reach the Peduase Lodge for a brief respite.

After completing the 4.8km walk, participants gathered at the lodge for an invigorating aerobics session and various fitness exercises.

Speaking after the session, the Managing Director of FirstBank Ghana, Victor Yaw Asante, commended the staff for their hard work over the past year, acknowledging the stresses of working in the banking industry. He emphasised the importance of starting the New Year on a healthy note, urging staff to de-stress and get in shape for the challenges ahead.

The event, themed "One Big Health," aimed to promote a culture of wellness among FirstBank Ghana staff and their loved ones.

Importance of exercise

Mr Asante underscored the significance of collaboration and support in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He described the annual health walk as a cherished tradition, offering an opportunity for staff to network, bond, and reinforce their commitment to one another and the brand.

He also highlighted the bank's achievements in 2024, including its rebranding to FirstBank Ghana, the engagement of Sarkodie as its Values Partner, and the expansion of its footprint in the Ashanti Region with the opening of its Nhyiaeso branch. Additionally, he noted the refurbishment and relaunch of the Kasoa branch, alongside various corporate social responsibility initiatives and staff events.

"It's not just a health walk, but a test of endurance, a chance to burn calories, exercise, and foster a strong sense of community while promoting holistic well-being for everyone,” Mr Asante stated.

Tribute and resilience

Mr Asante paid tribute to two colleagues, Comfort Ampadu and Jerome Tackie-Yarboi, who passed away in 2024. He also noted that the bank received 24 awards from organisations in Ghana and beyond during the same year.

Reflecting on challenges faced, including a one-month forex trading licence ban imposed by the Bank of Ghana, Mr Asante expressed pride in the bank’s resilience. “Despite the challenges, FirstBank Ghana has emerged stronger, with a steadily growing brand committed to putting clients and customers first in all operations,” he remarked.

Looking ahead to 2025

For 2025, Mr Asante outlined ambitious priorities, including signing up 100,000 new customers, achieving a profit before tax of GHS500 million, and increasing customer deposits to GHS6.7 billion.

"We want to ensure that we build a strong partnership with our stakeholders by providing outstanding products, services, and support at every stage of their life journey," he said.

The Managing Director expressed gratitude to customers, stakeholders, staff, and the media for their support and participation in the health walk. He concluded by wishing everyone a healthy, prosperous, and fulfilling year ahead.