Prudential Bank has held a financial literacy workshop for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Accra, focusing on improving their understanding of banking services and financial management.

The event, organised in partnership with Sightsavers International, was held on the theme, “Advancing Financial Inclusion: Empowering Every Ability.”

It brought together members of the disability community, advocates and financial experts to discuss barriers that persons with disabilities face in accessing formal financial services.

Speaking on behalf of the Acting Managing Director, the Head of Commercial Banking, Fredrick Adomako-Ansah, said financial inclusion required more than access to banking services; customers must also understand how to use them.

“Financial inclusion means ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to access and benefit from financial services. However, access to finance is only half the battle; understanding how to use it is what truly empowers an individual,” he said.

He said the bank was working to address physical, communication and knowledge barriers that could prevent persons with disabilities from accessing financial services.

The Programme Manager for Digital Futures Operations, Planning and Finance at Sightsavers International, Abdul Razak Mohammed, said financial inclusion for persons with disabilities was a fundamental right.

He said digital financial services could help persons with disabilities manage their finances more independently, but stressed the need to make such services accessible in their design, communication and delivery.

The workshop covered personal financial management, the benefits of digital banking and the safe use of Prudential Bank’s USSD platform, which allows customers to access services without smartphones.

Participants were also briefed on the bank’s policies for customers with disabilities, including priority service at its branches.

Prudential Bank said it had introduced a Financial Inclusion for PWDs Policy in line with the Bank of Ghana’s directive on equitable access to financial products. It also said frontline staff had received training on serving customers with disabilities.

Participants welcomed the practical guidance provided at the workshop.