Accra, Oct. 25, GNA-FirstBank Ghana marked the successful conclusion of its 2025 Junior Internship Programme (JIP) with a vibrant closing ceremony and prize presentation for winners of the inaugural essay writing competition.
The event brought together parents, partners, staff, and the 680 young interns who participated in the transformative initiative.
Speaking at the ceremony, Victor Yaw Asante, Managing Director and CEO of FirstBank Ghana, expressed deep pride and fulfillment in the programmeâs impact.
âFrom July 14 to September 12, we embarked on a journey of discovery, curiosity, and transformation,â he said. âToday, we celebrate how far these brilliant young minds have come.â
Launched three years ago, the Junior Internship Programme was designed not to teach banking, but to shape mindsets and instill values such as confidence, discipline, teamwork, and respect for time.
âAt FirstBank, our âYou Firstâ philosophy guides everything we do,â Asante noted. âThere is no better expression of that than investing in the education and empowerment of young people.â
He emphasized the strategic importance of early investment in Ghanaâs youth, citing that 57% of the countryâs population is under 25, with over 4 million in the 11â14 age bracketâthe target group for the JIP.
âThese young people will form the backbone of Ghanaâs future workforce,â Asante said. âThe decisions and habits they cultivate today will shape the strength of our talent pipeline and the quality of future leadership.â
The CEO described the programme as a long-term investment in Ghanaâs human capital, aimed at building a more competitive and prosperous nation. âNations that win in the future will be those that prepare their youth today,â he added.
A highlight of this yearâs programme was the introduction of an essay writing competition. Of the 680 interns, 364 participated, with eight winners recognized at the ceremony.
The overall winner, who scored 29.5 points, received a cash prize of GHS4,000, while the seven finalists, each scoring 29 points, were awarded GHS1,500.
âYou have made yourselves, your families, and FirstBank Ghana incredibly proud,â Asante said, congratulating the winners.
He also extended heartfelt thanks to the programmeâs partners, including Junior Graphic.
âYour support is deeply appreciated. You are collaborators in building something truly transformational,â he said.
âWe are not just shaping students, but citizens, innovators, and future leaders of Ghana. Go and shine. Go and lead. Go and make a difference,â Mr Asante said.
He announced that planning for the 2026 edition is already underway, promising an even âbigger, bolder, and betterâ experience next year.
GNA
Christian Akorlie