Accra: The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Fidelity Bank Ghana Limited have officially launched a strategic partnership aimed at bolstering the socioeconomic reintegration of Ghanaian returnees through targeted financial literacy and inclusion initiatives.
According to Ghana News Agency, the agreement was formalized on February 10 in Accra as part of IOM's initiative titled "Empowering Ghanaian Returnees with Financial Literacy Skills." This initiative is supported by the European Union through the Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa (MPRR-SSA). Fidelity Bank, under this partnership, is set to train 500 returnees across the Bono, Bono East, Ashanti, and Greater Accra regions. The training will focus on essential business skills such as budgeting, remittance management, and basic business finance to aid in sustainable reintegration.
The initiative seeks to address a significant gap in support for migrants who return to Ghana, often facing limited resources and social stigma. The statement noted that since 2017, more than 7,000 Ghanaians stranded on hazardous migration routes have returned home with the assistance of the Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration Programme implemented by IOM.
Mr Fatou Diallo Ndiaye, IOM's Chief of Mission for Ghana, Togo, and Benin, highlighted the importance of providing essential financial tools and knowledge. He stated, "Reintegration isn't an end point; it's a new beginning. We're thrilled to work with private sector actors such as Fidelity Bank Ghana Ltd. to unlock opportunities that help returnees and their communities not just to recover but truly thrive. When we equip people with the right financial tools and knowledge, we're investing in sustainable development for entire communities."
Mr Julian Kingsley Opuni, Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Ghana Ltd, expressed the bank's readiness to share practical expertise with the trainees. He said, "At Fidelity, we have always taken banking into our markets and communities and built systems to ensure that language is never a barrier in understanding finances. This partnership with the IOM validates that grassroots approach. We are proud to bring our practical experience to returnees, providing the financial roadmap they need to rebuild their lives with dignity and stability."