Collective ownership is key to our success – FirstBank MD to staff

The Managing Director of FirstBank Ghana, Victor Yaw Asante, has called on staff to embrace collective ownership as the foundation of the Bank’s journey toward sustainable growth.

Speaking at a recent staff engagement programme, Mr. Asante underscored that the Bank’s future depends not only on leadership decisions but also on the responsibility and actions of every employee.

The Staff Engagement brought together staff and management from across the country for a day of reflection, realignment, and renewed energy around the Bank’s vision, values, and customer-focused agenda. The 2025 edition was themed “ReCulture,” highlighting the Bank’s renewed focus on building a culture anchored on values and behaviors that drive transformation.

Mr. Asante set the agenda for the day with an opening address which charged staff to take accountability for their roles and contributions saying, “ownership is not optional, it is the first important action for transformation. Each of us must own our performance, own our decisions, and own the collective future of FirstBank. When we move with a sense of ownership, we stop waiting for change to happen and we become the change. Together, our ownership will be the difference between being ordinary and being exceptional,” he said.

He added that culture eats strategy for breakfast meaning that no matter how brilliant an organization’s business strategy is, if the organization company’s culture is not aligned or if it’s toxic, its strategy will fail. He felt that culture is the collective behaviors, attitudes, beliefs, and values that drive a company.

One of the highlights of the Staff Engagement was the formal introduction of Mr. Osahon Ogieva as the newly appointed Deputy Managing Director of FirstBank Ghana. His appointment represents a new phase in the Bank’s leadership structure. Alongside Mr. Asante and members of the Management Committee, Mr. Ogieva interacted directly with staff, reaffirming leadership’s commitment to driving innovation, strengthening customer service, and positioning the Bank for sustainable growth. His presence was warmly received as staff embraced the message of renewal and forward momentum.

The Staff Engagement also provided an opportunity for senior executives to share key updates with staff. Delivering the financial overview, the Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Semiu Lamidi, gave a candid update on the Bank’s performance, outlining progress made while calling attention to areas requiring sharper focus. “Our numbers tell a story, one of steady progress but also of untapped opportunity. Targets are not achieved by chance, they are achieved by consistency, discipline, and teamwork. Every staff member has a role to play in turning ambition into achievement, and when we align our efforts, the results will speak for themselves,” he remarked.

Naa Adokailey Amoah, Head of Human Capital Management and Development also addressing the staff, highlighted the central role of ReCulture, FirstBank Ghana’s cultural reset initiative. She reminded staff that culture is not defined by slogans but by consistent behaviors. “ReCulture starts with each of us. It is about being intentional, embracing training, nurturing growth, and showing up with the right mindset every day. Our culture is what we consistently do, and each member of staff has the power to shape it and drive our collective success,” she stated.

Closing the event, Mr. Asante once again challenged staff to act with unity, resilience, and determination as the Bank pushes toward the bank’s 2025 goals. Drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi, he emphasized the power of belief and mindset, “If I believe I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it. This truth must guide us at FirstBank. We must believe in our collective strength, align our actions with our ambitions, and push forward with resilience. When we carry this mindset, we will not only meet our targets for 2025, we will surpass them and firmly position ourselves as Ghana’s bank of first choice.”

The 2025 MD’s Roadshow reaffirmed FirstBank Ghana’s dedication to building a people-first culture anchored on its EPIC values Entrepreneurial, Professionalism, Innovation, and Customer-Centricity and to creating an environment where employees are inspired, empowered, and equipped to deliver sustainable growth.

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