In a significant effort to advance Ghana’s research and technological landscape, FirstBank Ghana lent financial support to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR’s) Science for Impact Fund.

This donation highlights FirstBank’s unwavering commitment to fostering innovation, propelling industrial development, and supporting community-driven projects through the application of cutting-edge technology.

Speaking at the donation ceremony, FirstBank’s Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer, Semiu Lamidi, conveyed the Bank’s enthusiasm for this strategic partnership with CSIR. “On behalf of the management and staff of FirstBank Ghana, we are pleased to collaborate with CSIR to champion innovative, demand-driven research and technological advancements that drive industrial growth and support developmental projects within communities,” said Mr. Lamidi.

He emphasised the critical importance of research and development in today’s fast-paced world, noting that continuous innovation is vital for sustainable national progress. “The significance of research and development cannot be overstated. It is a crucial pathway to sustainable national development. With CSIR’s mandate to generate and apply innovative technologies effectively, the organisation plays an essential role in leveraging science and technology for socio-economic growth in sectors such as agriculture, industry, environment, public health, and social sciences,” he added.

Reaffirming FirstBank’s dedication to Ghana’s socio-economic advancement, Mr. Lamidi reiterated the Bank’s steadfast support for initiatives that enhance business capacities and stimulate innovation across various sectors of the Ghanaian economy. “Our commitment to the nation’s socio-economic development remains strong. The research facilitated by CSIR will undoubtedly benefit SMEs, particularly in sectors like agriculture and industry, driving them towards greater innovation,” Lamidi remarked.

He also underscored the importance of establishing long-term, reliable income streams for CSIR to ensure the organization’s sustainability. Expressing pride in FirstBank’s involvement with the CSIR Endowment Fund, which aims to secure sustainable financing for the Institute’s technological initiatives, Lamidi concluded, “Our support for the Endowment Fund exemplifies the strong partnership between FirstBank and CSIR.”

Professor Mike Osei-Atweneboana, Chairman of the CSIR Science for Impact Fund (CSIF) Planning Committee and Director of the CSIR-Water Research Institute, expressed deep gratitude to his staff for their voluntary contributions to the initiative. “I am thankful to my staff, who have demonstrated their commitment by voluntarily agreeing to contribute 1% of their monthly salaries to this initiative. This fund will empower CSIR to achieve new milestones in research and technological development,” he said.

He further extended his appreciation to FirstBank and called on other corporate entities to support CSIR’s endeavors. “We are grateful to FirstBank for their generous donation. I urge other organisations to join us in securing sustainable financing for CSIR’s impactful work,” Professor Osei-Atweneboana added.

First Bank Ghana has, in its 28 years of operating in the country, remained focused on putting its customers and communities first. First Bank Ghana is a member of the First Bank of Nigeria Limited Group, which is renowned for its great customer service and general stakeholder engagement garnered in its 130 years of operation. First Bank Ghana has 24 branches, four service points, and a network of almost 2,000 agents across the country, with over 700 staff. First Bank offers universal banking services to individuals and businesses in Ghana.