Firstbank Ghana has launched the fourth edition of its Junior Internship programme, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing financially responsible and future-ready young people through practical workplace experience.
The six-week programme, scheduled to run from July 20 to September 4, 2026, will provide 600 children aged between 10 and 14 with hands-on exposure to banking operations, customer service, leadership, teamwork and workplace ethics.
The initiative is open to holders of the bank’s KidsFirst and MeFirst accounts and is expected to be the largest edition since the programme was introduced in 2023.
Investment in the future
Launching the programme in Accra, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank Ghana, Osahon Ogieva, described the programme as a strategic investment in Ghana’s future through its young people.
“Today, we celebrate more than the launch of another programme; we celebrate our steadfast commitment to investing in Ghana’s future through its young people,” he said.
He explained that beyond introducing children to banking operations, the initiative was designed to equip participants with practical financial knowledge, leadership skills, discipline, confidence and teamwork.
Mr Ogieva said financial literacy was a lifelong skill that should be developed from an early age, adding that the programme complemented classroom education by exposing participants to real workplace experiences.
He said FirstBank remained committed to promoting financial inclusion by encouraging children to cultivate lifelong saving habits through its KidsFirst and MeFirst accounts.
Call for participation
Mr Ogieva encouraged parents and guardians with children between the ages of 10 and 14 to enrol them in this year’s programme.
He said registration had opened and urged families to take advantage of the opportunity to expose their children to practical learning experiences that would prepare them for future careers.
Government commends initiative
Representing the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Principal Development Officer, Eric Martey, commended the FirstBank Ghana for partnering government to empower young people.
He said initiatives such as the Junior Internship Programme played an important role in bridging the gap between classroom education and practical workplace experience, while helping young people develop skills, confidence and discipline.
Mr Martey said the ministry viewed investment in children and young people as an investment in the country’s future and welcomed private sector efforts that complemented government interventions.
“Investing in young people is investing in the future of our nation.” He stated.
He further urged other corporate institutions to emulate FirstBank Ghana by introducing programmes that promoted youth development, inclusion and decent work opportunities.
Advice to interns
Mr Martey advised the young interns to embrace the opportunity with enthusiasm, humility and integrity by asking questions, building meaningful relationships and maintaining high standards of professionalism throughout the internship.
He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to collaborating with institutions that create opportunities to improve the lives and prospects of young people across the country.
He congratulated the FirstBank Ghana on the successful launch of the 2026 Junior Internship Programme and wished the participants a rewarding learning experience.
