The Acting Managing Director of Ecobank has just said the bank will continue to support educational projects in the country because it is the right thing to do.
Dr Edward Botchwey told Joy News Ecobank has invested ¢1.8 million on various educational activities and is likely to increase their budgetary support for non-formal education and other education-related projects.
“We are looking at various projects and partnerships and I think that by the end of the year we most probably going to spend more than we did last year.
“For us, it is not just about the figures or the amount we spend but being able to make an impact,” he said.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 2018 celebrations to mark the International Literacy Day, on Saturday he spoke about the bank’s support for Non-Formal Education.
Dr Botchwey said it is not good enough for Ecobank as an entity and the country to have illiterates.
He explained that is part of the reasons why for their corporate social responsibility they have contributed to the enhancement of quality education to all irrespective of financial or social standing.
“Helping get everyone to read and write is not only good for business but it is the right thing to do. The idea for us is to churn out products that our customers are able to use whether they can read or not,” he said.
According to him, Ecobank believes supporting the non-formal education and education, in general, is a national call that all companies must contribute to.
“While acknowledging the importance of formal education to national development, Ecobank acknowledges the importance of non-formal education. A type of education, which was with us even before the introduction of formal education.
“Non-formal education provides adaptable learning opportunities and new skills development and knowledge to a large percentage of people, some of whom are beyond the reach of formal education,” he added.
Dr Botchwey said what the bank bring on board as an institution is the ability to make financial literacy relatable to all.
The global theme for this year’s celebrations was ‘Literacy and Skills Development’ and for Ghana, it was amended to include ‘Empowerment’.
In attendance was the Deputy Education Minister, Catherine Appiah-Pinkrah who represented the Education Minister as well as the Acting Director of Non-formal Education, Francis Asumadu.