Fidelity Bank Ghana has made a significant investment of GH₵5.74 million in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in 2024, directly benefiting over 26,000 individuals, with a primary focus on women’s empowerment.
In addition, the bank’s employee volunteering program has thrived, with staff dedicating over 1,396 hours to various community projects.
Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Ghana, Julian Opuni, made these announcements during a media engagement in Accra.
He highlighted the bank’s Wellness4All Programme, which supports crucial health initiatives, including obstetric fistula treatment, cancer awareness, and mental health support.
Mr Opuni reassured the public that Fidelity Bank remains committed to delivering shared value by ensuring that business growth benefits both communities and the environment.
With a strong foundation, innovative strategies, and a clear focus on digital transformation and sustainability, the bank continues to shape Ghana’s financial landscape.
Empowering SMEs and driving economic growth
In 2024 alone, Fidelity Bank disbursed GH₶427 million in SME loans, supporting over 35,000 jobs and contributing GH₶3.08 billion to the Ghanaian economy.
This strategic investment underscores the bank’s dedication to fostering economic growth and financial empowerment.
Supporting innovation and the creative economy
Building on the success of the Fidelity Greentech Innovation Challenge (GTIC), the bank has announced that applications for GTIC 2025 will open in the second quarter of this year.
With GH₶700K in grants and up to GH₶1 million in concessionary loans, this initiative supports youth-led innovation and sustainable enterprises in agriculture.
Recognizing the immense potential of Ghana’s creative economy, Fidelity Bank is also launching Orange Inspire – Fidelity Bank’s Creative Fund.
This initiative will provide targeted funding, infrastructure support, and mentorship for creatives in fashion, film, art, and digital content.
Funding will range from GH₵450,000 for young creatives to GH₵1 million for established projects, combining grants and concessionary loans to position Ghana’s creative sector for global success.
Resilience amid economic challenges
The banking sector has faced economic instability, rising loss provisions, and regulatory shifts, most notably the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme.
Despite these challenges, Fidelity Bank has remained resilient, recording consistent profits post-2022.
Although its 2024 audited financial report is yet to be released, the bank confidently reports outstanding performance.
Total assets have grown significantly, driven by increased customer deposits, and revenue and profits have exceeded expectations.
The bank’s Non-Performing Loans (NPL) ratio remains well below the industry average, showcasing its strong financial management.
From discount house to banking giant
Fidelity Bank began as a discount house and, after seven years of strong performance, transitioned into a fully-fledged bank in 2006.
What set it apart was a commitment to world-class standards rooted in Ghanaian values.
Visionary leaders like Edward Effah, Jim Baiden, and their partners built the bank with a mission to redefine banking—making it warm, welcoming, and customer-focused.
This strategy proved effective, as Fidelity Bank turned a profit within six months of launching and was named Best Growing Bank of the Year in 2006.
A leader in financial inclusion
Beyond traditional banking, Fidelity Bank has been a leader in promoting financial inclusion, ensuring banking services reach the underbanked and unbanked.
Through its extensive agency banking network of over 8,000 agents, the bank has brought financial services to some of the most remote areas of Ghana.
The Smart Account initiative has simplified account opening, while pilot programs for tailored loans continue to support 1.7 million financial inclusion customers.
To enhance service delivery, Fidelity Bank consistently invests in training and certifying its agents.
Advancing digital transformation
As technology reshapes banking, Fidelity Bank is committed to enhancing its digital capabilities.
A newly established Special Projects Office at its Head Office unites core banking, digital, and optimization teams to foster innovation and improve customer experiences.
Combating fraud and promoting financial literacy
Fraud, particularly social engineering scams, remains a major industry challenge.
Fidelity Bank recognizes this as a national issue and has called on stakeholders, especially the media, to partner in raising financial literacy and awareness.
Commitment to sustainability
Sustainability remains a priority for Fidelity Bank. The bank has strengthened its Environmental and Social Risk Assessments (ESRAs) and implemented measures to reduce its environmental footprint.
Notable achievements include recycling 3.74 tonnes of paper, increasing renewable energy use and reducing emissions
Additionally, the bank integrates sustainability into its procurement processes, with 90% of vendors being local. Responsible business practices also influence its lending decisions, ensuring that financial support aligns with ethical and sustainable business operations.
Through sustainable finance, Fidelity Bank continues to support key sectors such as agriculture, SMEs, and women entrepreneurs. Initiatives like the Fidelity Young Entrepreneurs Initiative (FYEI), the Orange Corners Innovation Fund (in partnership with the Kingdom of the Netherlands), and its collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation on the Bridge in Agriculture program have driven significant impact.
With a firm commitment to innovation, inclusion, and sustainability, Fidelity Bank Ghana continues to set the standard for excellence in banking, empowering communities and businesses while shaping the future of Ghana’s financial sector.
