Absa Bank Ghana Limited has concluded its 2025 Money Matters financial literacy programme with a closing ceremony in Accra.

Delivered in partnership with the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Young Investors Network (YIN) and the National Banking College, the initiative equipped more than 120,000 students in over 150 schools across nine regions with practical knowledge on money management, saving and responsible financial decision-making.

The Money Matters programme forms part of Absa’s long-term commitment to financial literacy and inclusion, empowering young people to appreciate the value of planning, budgeting and saving for the future.

Delivering the keynote address, Nana Essilfuah Tamakloe, Marketing and Corporate Affairs Director at Absa Bank Ghana, noted the impact of the initiative on students nationwide.

“At Absa, we believe that knowledge is the first form of capital, and when young people are empowered with financial literacy, it strengthens not only their futures but also those of their families and communities.

"We are investing in the mindset and potential of the next generation, and our focus now is to deepen the practice of these skills, so they become lifelong habits,” she said.

In his remarks, Dr Benjamin Amoah, senior lecturer at the Department of Finance, University of Ghana Business School, and president of the Financial Literacy Educators Association Ghana (FLEAG), stressed the importance of developing saving habits early in life.

He encouraged students to view saving not only as a financial activity but also as a mindset that builds discipline and responsibility.

Joshua Mensah, executive director of the Young Investors Network, noted that over 90 per cent of participating schools recorded improvement in students’ financial knowledge.

The event brought together students from participating schools, including Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC-Legon), Accra Academy, West African Senior High School and Accra High School.

A highlight of the ceremony was a story presentation by Master Idi Sani Baba, a student of PRESEC-Legon, whose fictional piece “The Story of Ama” illustrated how financial discipline and consistent saving can influence future outcomes.

To encourage a savings culture among young people, Absa has introduced the Ignition Account, a savings product designed for students and youth.

The account offers benefits including no minimum operating balance, free debit-card issuance and maintenance, travel-insurance cover of up to GH¢100,000, discounts at partner outlets, and access to ReadytoWork job-placement and career-guidance resources (terms and conditions apply).

Through initiatives such as Money Matters, Absa Bank Ghana continues to contribute to the development of a financially aware youth population capable of making informed financial choices and contributing to national growth.