FirstBank Ghana is repositioning its operations towards branchless and digital banking, with management saying changing customer behaviour will shape the bank’s next phase of growth, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Victor Yaw Asante has said.

Mr Asante outlined the direction on Saturday, January 24, 2026, after the FirstBank Ghana 2026 Health Walk in Accra, an event held as part of activities marking the bank’s 30th anniversary in Ghana.

“We listen to our customers and try to do what works for them. That is what has driven us over the years, and 30 years gives us the chance to restate that approach,” Mr Asante said.

The Health Walk brought together management and staff and served as a moment to reflect on the bank’s journey since it began operations in Ghana in 1996, while also setting out priorities for the future.

According to Mr Asante, customer needs and usage patterns have consistently influenced the bank’s development, and that customer-centric approach will remain central as banking practices evolve.

He said the next phase would see a stronger emphasis on branchless banking, expanded digital channels and products tailored to customers’ personal and business activities.

“The next 30 years is about more branchless banking, more customer centricity, more relevant products and more convenient banking,” he said, adding that FirstBank Ghana would continue to work closely with customers and business partners.

Mr Asante also linked the Health Walk to the bank’s focus on staff wellbeing, noting that employee health had a direct impact on productivity and service delivery.

He said activities such as walking helped reduce stress, improve mental alertness and strengthen interaction among staff, which ultimately reflected in how employees performed their duties.

“We choose to start the year with movement and motivation as we pursue our business objectives,” he said.

Responding to questions from journalists on lending, Mr Asante said loans at FirstBank Ghana were granted based on the quality of proposals submitted by customers.

He noted that banks generally preferred lower interest rate environments, as they reduced default risks and improved borrowers’ ability to repay.

“When interest rates are low, businesses become more viable and their ability to pay back improves. That also creates room for banks to extend credit to more people,” he said.

On capital market participation, Mr Asante said FirstBank Ghana was already part of a listed banking group through the Nigerian Stock Exchange, given its affiliation with FirstBank Group Nigeria.

He said a possible listing on the Ghana Stock Exchange was under consideration but not expected in the near term.

“If we are asked by the Central Bank to look at that, we are looking at it. Will it happen in one year? I do not think so. It could be in the next two or three years, as we expand and seek additional capital,” he said.

Touching on banking sector recapitalisation and monetary policy, Mr Asante expressed optimism that recent economic improvements and actions by the Bank of Ghana would gradually lead to lower interest rates.

He said any reduction in policy and overnight rates was likely to feed into prime lending rates and mortgages, with positive implications for customers.

“We expect overnight rates, prime lending and other rates to go down, and that will reflect in lending to customers,” he said.

The Health Walk formed part of FirstBank Ghana’s 30th anniversary celebrations, held under the theme “30 Years of Putting You First, A Future of Possibilities.”