The leadership team of FirstBank Ghana, led by Managing Director/CEO Mr. Victor Yaw Asante, paid a courtesy call on His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace ahead of the commissioning of its new Nhyiaeso branch.

The visit served to inform the Asantehene of the upcoming launch and to seek his blessings as the Bank expands its presence in the Ashanti Region.

The delegation, led by Mr. Victor Yaw Asante, Managing Director/CEO of FirstBank Ghana, included Ms. Rosie Ebe-Arthur, Non-Executive Director, and other senior executives of the Bank.

• Read also: FirstBank Ghana expands footprint with new Nhyiaeso branch

During the visit, Mr. Victor Yaw Asante extended his warm congratulations to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of his ascension to the Golden Stool. The FirstBank CEO expressed the Bank's appreciation for Otumfuo’s significant contributions to the socio-economic development of the Ashanti Kingdom and the nation at large. In his address, Mr. Asante officially informed the Asantehene of the imminent opening of FirstBank’s Nhyiaeso branch, which is strategically located to serve the growing financial needs of the region.

Additionally, Mr. Asante took the opportunity to announce the Bank’s plans to establish another branch at the prestigious Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), further strengthening FirstBank’s presence and accessibility within the academic and business communities in Kumasi.

“FirstBank Ghana is committed to contributing meaningfully to the development of the Ashanti Region. We are particularly proud to be part of the growth story in this region, and we believe the opening of our Nhyiaeso branch and the upcoming KNUST branch will provide greater financial access to individuals, businesses, and students alike. We are also excited to contribute our quota to the ‘Heal Okomfo Anokye Project’ as well as the Otumfuo Educational Fund, which are both visionary initiatives spearheaded by Your Majesty,” said Victor Yaw Asante, Managing Director/CEO of FirstBank Ghana.

Mr. Asante further assured the Asantehene of FirstBank’s long-term commitment to supporting the region through community-driven initiatives and investments aimed at improving healthcare, education, and financial inclusivity.

In response, His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed his gratitude to FirstBank Ghana for the visit and congratulated the leadership of the Bank for its consistent expansion efforts, particularly within the Ashanti Region. The Asantehene praised the Bank for its exemplary service and encouraged them to continue casting their financial footprint across the region and beyond.

According to Asantehene, “The efforts of FirstBank Ghana in expanding its services to the people of the Ashanti Region are commendable. Your presence in Adum, Suame, and now Nhyiaeso is a clear indication of the Bank's resolve to serve this region with excellence. It is my hope that your institution will continue to attract long-term investments that will contribute meaningfully to the development of the Ashanti Kingdom and the entire nation.”

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II also addressed the broader state of the banking sector, stressing the need for financial institutions to offer long-term investment solutions that will drive economic growth. He emphasised the importance of banks playing a more active role in securing funds for customers and businesses that seek to make long-term investments, which will positively impact Ghana’s economic landscape.

He further urged regulatory bodies such as the Bank of Ghana and the Ministry of Finance to continue strengthening the economy by providing the right policy frameworks that will enable banks to contribute more effectively to national development.

In conclusion, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II offered his blessings to FirstBank Ghana and its leadership, assuring them of his support. As a gesture of confidence in the Bank, the Asantehene promised to open an account with FirstBank Ghana.

FirstBank Ghana is part of the First Bank Group of Nigeria Limited, which is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year. The group operates across several countries, including the UK, DRC, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Gambia, and Senegal.