FirstBank Ghana Deepens SME Engagement With SME Connect Workshop in Accra
FirstBank Ghana has reinforced its commitment to the growth and sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the successful hosting of its SME Connect workshop at the Makola Shopping Mall in Accra.
The event, which brought together a wide cross-section of SME customers from the Central Business District, forms part of the Bank’s broader strategy to deepen engagement with the SME sector while delivering practical solutions to support business growth.
Delivering a keynote address on behalf of the Deputy Managing Director, Osahon Ogieva, the Head of Treasury, Grace Isaac-Aryee, underscored the importance of SMEs to Ghana’s economic development and reiterated FirstBank’s commitment to empowering businesses beyond traditional banking.
She noted that the SME Connect initiative is designed to foster stronger relationships, build trust, and provide businesses with the knowledge, tools and partnerships required to thrive in an increasingly dynamic and competitive environment.
“We recognize that SMEs face a range of challenges, including access to finance, cash flow constraints, limited financial knowledge and restricted market opportunities. Through this platform, we aim to provide practical insights and tailored solutions that will enable businesses to grow sustainably,” she said.
She further highlighted the significance of Makola and Okaishie as the heartbeat of commercial activity in Accra, describing the area as a vibrant hub of enterprise that continues to drive livelihoods and economic growth across the country.
Grace Isaac-Aryee emphasized that FirstBank Ghana offers tailored financial solutions across various sectors, including trading, fashion, pharmaceuticals and electronics, supported by digital banking platforms that enhance efficiency, improve cash flow management and enable seamless transactions.
She added that beyond financing, the Bank provides advisory services and financial literacy programmes to strengthen decision-making and business resilience, while also creating opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing and market access through SME Connect.
Welcoming participants to the workshop, Acting Head of Retail Banking, Enoch Adams, described the event as the maiden edition of SME Connect and expressed appreciation to customers for their continued partnership with the Bank.
He explained that the initiative is aimed at creating a platform for meaningful engagement and shared learning, enabling FirstBank to better understand the evolving needs of SMEs while delivering solutions that drive growth and success.
“As part of our commitment to your overall well-being, we recently conducted a health screening exercise here in Makola. Today’s workshop builds on that foundation by equipping you with relevant knowledge and practical insights to support better business and financial decisions,” he noted.
The workshop also featured a presentation by Nana Kwabena Appiah Gyimah of the National Banking College, who delivered an insightful session on financial literacy, with a focus on preparing businesses to access funding and manage finances effectively.
FirstBank Ghana reaffirmed its dedication to supporting SMEs through customer-centric solutions, capacity-building initiatives and long-term partnerships anchored on trust, transparency and shared success.
The SME Connect initiative is expected to be rolled out across key commercial hubs in the country as the Bank continues to position itself as a trusted partner in the growth journey of Ghanaian businesses.
