FirstBank Ghana has taken a bold step in extending its innovative banking solutions to Northern Ghana by hosting its maiden FirstMonie Agents Forum in Tamale.

The event, held at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium, brought together over 60 participants, including FirstMonie agents, insurance partners, and other key stakeholders, to deliberate on strategies to enhance financial inclusion and broaden the bank’s footprint in unbanked and underbanked communities.

The forum officially introduced FirstBank’s Gold Standard of Banking experience to newly recruited agents, showcasing how the initiative will transform financial service delivery in Northern Ghana.

FirstMonie, FirstBank Ghana’s flagship agent banking network, was designed with one goal in mind: to make banking accessible to everyone, everywhere. In regions such as Northern Ghana, where access to traditional bank branches is limited, the role of mobile money agents and agent bankers becomes critical.

Through the FirstMonie platform, agents are empowered to provide community members with essential services such as cash deposits and withdrawals, bill payments, interbank transfers, and airtime purchases. According to Martin Addison, FirstBank Ghana’s Agent Banking Network Supervisor, the initiative “seeks to broaden the reach of financial services delivery and bridge the gap between the banked and unbanked population.”

Spotlight on GhanaPay and Emerging Trends

One of the highlights of the forum was a dedicated session on GhanaPay, a collaborative initiative aimed at enhancing digital payments nationwide. Representatives from GhanaPay encouraged agents to leverage the platform to diversify their income streams while offering customers more convenient, secure, and affordable transaction options.

Discussions also centered on emerging trends in electronic financial solutions, emphasizing how FirstMonie agents can remain competitive by adopting new technologies and adapting to the evolving digital economy.

Speaking at the event, Mohammed Kulendi, Tamale Branch Manager of FirstBank Ghana, reiterated the bank’s long-term commitment to the Northern Region. He stressed that FirstBank is “here to stay” and will continue to serve communities with trust, transparency, and sustainable partnerships.

Kulendi also urged agents to remain vigilant in the fight against fraud and money laundering by reporting suspicious activities and adopting preventive measures to protect customers and their finances.

Empowering Agents, Empowering Communities

The maiden FirstMonie Agents Forum was more than just an introduction to banking products—it was a platform for empowerment. By equipping agents with knowledge, resources, and tools, FirstBank Ghana is enabling them to become catalysts for change in their communities.

For many rural dwellers, the presence of a FirstMonie agent means not having to travel long distances to access financial services. This proximity reduces costs, builds trust, and accelerates financial inclusion.

FirstBank Ghana benefits from the strong heritage of its parent company, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, a financial powerhouse with 131 years of experience across Africa, Europe, and Asia. This legacy of resilience, innovation, and customer-focused service underpins the bank’s growth in Ghana and its commitment to transforming the financial sector.

By extending this heritage to Tamale and the Northern Region, FirstBank Ghana is positioning itself as not just a financial institution, but a trusted partner in community development.

The success of the maiden FirstMonie Agents Forum signals the beginning of a broader transformation in Northern Ghana’s financial landscape. With a network of local agents offering services that were once out of reach, FirstBank Ghana is making financial empowerment a reality.

As the agents take on their roles, the ripple effects are expected to be profound—ranging from improved household financial management to the growth of small businesses that rely on accessible banking services. The adoption of digital tools like GhanaPay will also ensure that communities are not left behind in the digital economy.

The launch of the FirstMonie Agents Forum in Tamale marks a significant milestone in FirstBank Ghana’s mission to deepen financial inclusion and extend its Gold Standard of Banking to every corner of the country. By empowering agents, embracing digital solutions, and building sustainable partnerships, FirstBank is bridging the financial divide and laying the foundation for inclusive growth in the Northern Region and beyond.

With its legacy of 131 years and a strong global footprint, FirstBank Ghana has reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for change—bringing banking closer to the people and transforming lives one community at a time.