FirstBank Group has pledged robust support for Ghana’s ambitious economic transformation agenda following a high-level meeting between its Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Olusegun Alebiosu, and the President of the Republic, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama.

The courtesy call, held at the Jubilee House, marked a renewed commitment by one of Africa’s leading financial institutions to deepen its strategic partnership with the Government of Ghana in advancing inclusive growth, national productivity, and long-term development.

Mr Alebiosu emphasized that FirstBank’s presence in Ghana is anchored on a future-focused vision to support the country’s development priorities through financing, capacity building, and innovative solutions tailored to evolving national needs. He highlighted Ghana’s unique advantages, including its youthful population and strong economic fundamentals, as catalysts for accelerated national progress.“As an African, I Am Deeply Invested…” – Alebiosu’s Message of Continental Hope

Speaking during the engagement, Mr Alebiosu shared a passionate view of Africa’s collective future and Ghana’s role within it. According to him, “As an African, I am deeply invested in the success of this continent, not just economically, but in the lives and aspirations of our people.”

He stressed that Ghana stands at a significant turning point in its development trajectory, driven by President Mahama’s bold vision for infrastructure expansion, agricultural revitalisation, industrial expansion, and the flagship 24-Hour Economy.

“Ghana stands at a pivotal moment, and President Mahama’s ambitious vision for infrastructure expansion, agricultural revitalisation, industrial parks, and the 24-Hour Economy presents a transformative pathway for inclusive growth.”
Mr Olusegun Alebiosu

FirstBank Positions Itself as a Strategic Development Partner

Mr Alebiosu reaffirmed FirstBank’s readiness to play a leading role in Ghana’s economic advancement, stating that the Bank seeks to be more than a traditional financial institution. He emphasised:

“FirstBank is committed to being more than a financial institution; we aim to be a strategic development partner. We are ready to collaborate with the Government to empower SMEs, support youth-led enterprises, and strengthen the productive sectors that are essential for Ghana’s future.”
Mr Olusegun Alebiosu

He added that Ghana’s rural economy holds immense potential for modernisation and scaled-up value addition if the right energy solutions are adopted. By referencing China’s rural industrialisation model, he underscored the opportunities for decentralised energy systems to stimulate local manufacturing.

“With the right energy solutions, including decentralised district-level power units and small thermal plants, as demonstrated in China’s rural industrialisation model, we can unleash a new wave of light manufacturing and rural development. FirstBank will continue to stand firmly with Ghana as it advances toward a more competitive, resilient, and prosperous future.”
Mr Olusegun Alebiosu

Mahama Welcomes Strong Private-Sector Backing

President Mahama, in response, commended FirstBank for its leadership within Ghana’s financial sector and welcomed its renewed commitment to helping fast-track national development programmes.

He provided a detailed overview of government priorities, starting with the Big Push Initiative—an expansive infrastructure programme expected to inject GHS13.8 billion into the economy. The initiative targets roads, housing, industrial facilities, and critical social infrastructure.

The President noted that financial institutions like FirstBank will be key players in delivering these projects, especially as the government adopts guaranteed payment mechanisms to strengthen investor confidence.

Turning to agriculture, President Mahama revealed that Ghana possesses over 40,000 hectares of irrigatable land, but only 10 percent is currently being utilised. With the right partnerships and incentives, he explained, the government aims to increase cultivation, boost agro-processing, and significantly reduce food imports.

He stressed that the agricultural sector offers vast opportunities for private-sector-led transformation, and banks like FirstBank are vital to providing financing models that support mechanisation, irrigation expansion, and agro-industrial growth.

Industrial Parks and the 24-Hour Economy Set for Acceleration

President Mahama also highlighted the government’s plan to accelerate industrialisation by establishing industrial parks in every region and gradually extending them to districts. These parks will serve as hubs for value addition, manufacturing, job creation, and export growth.

On the 24-Hour Economy initiative, the President announced that the existing secretariat will be upgraded into a statutory authority to enhance coordination and policy implementation. He added that Development Bank Ghana (DBG) will lead financing mechanisms for businesses adopting extended operations, with commercial banks such as FirstBank expected to provide complementary, affordable financing.

Mr Alebiosu was accompanied by Mr Victor Yaw Asante, Managing Director and CEO of FirstBank Ghana, and Mr Osahon Ogieva, Deputy Managing Director.

As the meeting concluded, both sides reaffirmed a shared commitment to leveraging strategic partnerships, innovative financing, and development-oriented banking to accelerate Ghana’s transformation.