FirstBank Ghana has announced the continuation of its Junior Internship Programme (JIP), a unique initiative designed to provide young customers with invaluable work experience and insights into the banking industry.

Esteemed Ghanaian musician and FirstBank Ghana Values Partner, Sarkodie, has endorsed the programme, urging interns to take full advantage of the opportunities it presents.

During an interaction with young customers currently participating in the internship, Sarkodie, born Michael Owusu Addo, emphasised the significant impact the JIP can have on their future career choices. According to Sarkodie, “This is my first time seeing and hearing about it. Apparently, it has been in existence for two years. Trust me, this is amazing. When I was young, I never had this opportunity. Imagine, my generation and the ones before never had the chance to learn the ropes of work life in such an organised institution at a younger age. This is a great initiative, and I am excited to be part of this. Big shoutouts to the Sarkodie Foundation for being involved. They help shape the youth, which I believe in strongly. I am super excited about this, and I hope the interns make good use of this great opportunity.”

Sarkodie’s endorsement highlights the value of the JIP in shaping the careers and futures of young Ghanaians by providing them with early exposure to the corporate world.

The Junior Internship Programme aims to give FirstBank Ghana’s young customers, aged 11 to 14, and the best possible start to their careers by offering hands-on experience in the banking sector. This year, approximately 700 young customers will participate in the programme across all branches of the bank. Each participant will receive a certificate of participation and have the chance to compete in an essay writing competition, with cash prizes awarded to the authors of the top three essays.

The Managing Director and CEO of FirstBank Ghana, Victor Yaw Asante, shared his enthusiasm for the programme and its impact on the youth.

He said, “We have opened our doors to welcome young customers to participate in the JIP this year. We aim to introduce them to the business of banking, helping them understand what really happens in a bank. We hope that by taking them through this experience, they will learn about banking, corporate structure, governance, and the importance of networking. We are very happy to host these junior interns and look forward to seeing them thrive in their chosen professions.”

Mr Asante further expressed his excitement about the participants’ growth and development through the programme, saying, “We are confident that this experience will help shape their thinking about their careers. I can’t wait to start reading the reports from our young customers after their one-week internship,” he added.

The Junior Internship Programme exemplifies FirstBank Ghana’s commitment to investing in the future of young Ghanaians by providing them with valuable work experience and insights into the banking industry. With the support of influential figures like Sarkodie, the programme is set to inspire and shape the next generation of professionals.

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.