FirstBank Ghana has concluded the fourth edition of its Junior Internship Programme, celebrating the achievements of about 200 young participants at a closing ceremony held at the FirstBank Head Office Annex in Cantonments, Accra.
The ceremony brought together the young interns, parents and guardians, FirstBank management and staff, programme partners and other stakeholders to mark the successful completion of the 2026 edition and recognise participants who distinguished themselves in the programme's essay competition.
The 2026 Junior Internship Programme ran from July 20 to September 4, providing young participants with practical exposure to the workplace while introducing them to financial responsibility, customer service, teamwork, communication and professional conduct. A total of 43 interns took part in the essay competition, providing an opportunity for them to demonstrate their creativity, critical thinking and communication skills.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank Ghana, Mr Osahon Ogieva, said the programme reflects the bank's commitment to investing in young people and equipping them with knowledge and experiences that extend beyond the classroom. He noted that initiatives such as the programme are important to the bank's broader efforts to promote financial literacy and encourage positive financial habits among young people.
"The Junior Internship Programme gives us an opportunity to introduce young people to the world of work while helping them develop an appreciation for financial responsibility, teamwork and professional values. We are proud of what the participants have achieved and believe the lessons from this experience will remain valuable as they continue their educational journey," he said.
The programme also forms part of the bank's focus on youth development through its KidsFirst and MeFirst accounts, which are designed to encourage savings and financial awareness among young customers.
At the ceremony, participants in the essay competition were recognised for their achievements. Three participants, Patrick Kweku Asare-Frimpong, Emmanuel Anindow and Craig Winston Nii Armah Hammond, emerged as joint winners of the second runner-up prize, each receiving GH¢2,000.00.
The first runner-up position also produced three winners, namely Chaim Doron Tetteh, Mawuli Kwabena Mensah and Kirstin Etornam Kudjordji, who each received GH¢3,000.00. Yao Enam Kwawukume emerged as the overall winner of the essay competition and received GH¢5,000.00.
The Acting Head of Retail Banking, Mr Enoch Adams, congratulated all the participants for their commitment throughout the programme and commended the winners for their outstanding performance in the essay competition. He also thanked the parents and guardians for supporting their children's participation and acknowledged the FirstBank team for their efforts in delivering the programme.
"Congratulations to all our young interns for completing the programme and to our essay competition winners for their outstanding achievements. We encourage you to carry the lessons you have learnt with you and continue to be curious, disciplined and willing to learn. We are equally grateful to our parents, guardians and partners for supporting us to make this year's programme a success," Mr Adams said.
The 2026 Junior Internship Programme was supported by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Ghana National Association of Private Schools, Pepsodent, Papa's Pizza, IPMC University College, Rigworld Solutions, Agate Transport Services and Pina Foods.
FirstBank Ghana expressed appreciation to the partners for their contribution towards creating an enriching experience for the young participants and reaffirmed its commitment to initiatives that support youth development, financial literacy and the future aspirations of young Ghanaians.