Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG) has committed GH¢55 million to support about 3,000 women and young people under the Ghana Women and Youth Employment and Social Cohesion (GWYESCO) Programme.

The initiative, which is being implemented by the Social Investment Fund (SIF), seeks to improve the resilience and living conditions of women and youth through job creation, entrepreneurship, access to finance and skills development.

Speaking at the signing of a loan agreement in Accra on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, Managing Director of CBG, Dr Naomi Wolali Kwetey, said the bank would disburse the funds in phases over a 36-month period.

She said the first tranche, representing about 25% of the total facility, would benefit approximately 800 beneficiaries.

"Approximately GH¢55 million will be deployed over 36 months to support about 3,000 people. The first 25% advance will support about 800 beneficiaries. CBG is committed to a transparent selection process, sound credit appraisal, timely disbursement, and diligent monitoring," she said.

According to Dr Kwetey, the financing forms part of CBG's commitment to supporting initiatives that promote economic inclusion and create opportunities for women and young people.

"This partnership reflects our shared commitment to expanding access to funding for women, young people and micro, small and medium enterprises," she said.

The GWYESCO Programme, which will run from 2026 to 2028, targets young people aged between 18 and 35 and women aged 18 years and above.

It will focus on training in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), digital and creative skills, as well as improving access to finance for women- and youth-owned micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

The programme will be implemented in the Central and Eastern Regions, as well as Northern Ghana, covering the Upper West, Upper East and Savannah Regions.

Beyond employment and entrepreneurship, GWYESCO is designed to promote peace-building and social cohesion, particularly in Northern Ghana, where communities face challenges associated with conflict, violent extremism, poverty and climate change.

The programme also seeks to strengthen the capacity of institutions in monitoring and evaluation, environmental and social safeguards, and conflict prevention.

Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Social Investment Fund, Abass Nurudeen, said the project was expected to receive funding from CBG, Apex Bank and Ghana Commercial Bank.

He said CBG had taken the lead among the participating financial institutions by commencing the disbursement of funds for the programme.

"Three financial institutions have been shortlisted to fund this (GWYESCO), the GCB, the CGB and the Apex Bank. Of all three, I am happy to say that it is CBG that has put us together to sign this," he said.

Mr Nurudeen said the financing would provide critical support to women and youth entrepreneurs while helping to address unemployment and other socio-economic vulnerabilities.

The broader programme is expected to strengthen access to technical skills, business development services and finance, with the ultimate goal of creating sustainable livelihoods and improving social stability.

The three-year intervention is therefore positioned as a strategic investment in Ghana's women and youth, particularly those in regions facing higher levels of economic vulnerability and social risks.