Africa-Press – Ghana. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Fidelity Bank Ghana Limited have formalised a strategic partnership to strengthen the socioeconomic reintegration of Ghanaian returnees through financial literacy and inclusion initiatives.
The agreement was signed on February 10 in Accra as part of IOM’s Empowering Ghanaian Returnees with Financial Literacy Skills initiative supported by the European Union through the Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa (MPRR-SSA).
A release copied to Ghana News Agency said Fidelity Bank, under the partnership, will train 500 returnees across the Bono, Bono East, Ashanti and Greater Accra regions, covering key business skills such as budgeting, remittance management and basic business finance to support sustainable reintegration.
The initiative is expected to address a critical gap in support for migrants who return to Ghana, often with limited resources and face social stigma.
“Since 2017 more than 7,000 Ghanaians got stranded on dangerous migration routes have returned home with support from the Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration Programme implemented by IOM,” the statement noted.
Mr Fatou Diallo Ndiaye, IOM’s Chief of Mission for Ghana, Togo and Benin, emphasised the importance of equipping people with essential financial tools and knowledge.
“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 helped 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,” he stated.
Mr Julian Kingsley Opuni, Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Ghana Ltd, said the bank was ready to share practical expertise with the trainees.
“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,” he said.
