FirstBank Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles as a cornerstone of its long-term business strategy, describing responsible banking as essential to building trust and sustainable growth.
Speaking at the launch of the 9th edition of the Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CR&S) Week at the bank’s Head Office Annex in Cantonments, Accra, Managing Director Victor Yaw Asante said FirstBank’s success is tied to the well-being of the communities it serves.
“By investing in people and social causes, we demonstrate that our success is inseparable from their well-being,” he said. “This is what strengthens our relevance and legitimacy in society.”
He explained that the bank’s commitment to ESG standards positions it among forward-thinking financial institutions that balance profitability with responsibility. This, he noted, ensures that FirstBank’s growth model remains future-proof and aligned with evolving international expectations.
“Responsible banking is not just about numbers—it’s about values. When customers, regulators, and partners see our genuine commitment to social progress, they gain deeper confidence in our integrity and long-term vision,” Mr. Asante added.
The CR&S Week, which runs from October 27 to November 1, is being celebrated under the theme “Hands of Kindness.” The initiative aims to embed kindness, responsibility, and service into the daily work culture of staff across all branches.
Mr. Asante stated that the bank’s focus on ESG and sustainability is reflected not only in its community investments but also in its internal operations, encompassing ethical governance and environmental stewardship. “We are ensuring that our business practices protect both society and the environment,” he noted.
He further emphasised that FirstBank’s corporate responsibility agenda is not an add-on but an integral part of its identity. “It reaffirms our social licence to operate,” he said, “and it reminds all stakeholders that FirstBank exists to create more than just economic value.”
Over the years, FirstBank Ghana has championed numerous social impact initiatives in education, healthcare, and youth empowerment. This year, the bank is reinforcing that commitment with a contribution of GH¢200,000 to support selected partners, including Making Learning Happen, Lifeline for Childhood Cancer Foundation, and the Heal Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Project.
The CR&S Week is part of FirstBank’s wider commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to promoting ethical, inclusive growth across Ghana’s financial sector.