Collins Sefa Standard Chartered Bank Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to women’s economic empowerment with the graduation of 30 young women under the Women Entrepreneurship Skills Project, implemented in partnership with the McAryee Foundation.
The graduation ceremony, held on December 17, 2025, marked the successful completion of a three-month vocational and entrepreneurial training programme aimed at equipping women from deprived communities with practical, income-generating skills.
The beneficiaries received hands-on training in cosmetology, cookery and soapmaking, alongside basic entrepreneurship and business management modules. Participants also undertook National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) examinations to strengthen their employability and support pathways to self-employment.
Speaking at the ceremony, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing at Standard Chartered Bank Ghana, Asiedua Addae, described the programme as a demonstration of the impact that purposeful partnerships can achieve.
She noted that the initiative goes beyond skills acquisition, helping to build confidence, discipline and resilience among the participants.
“Skills are the first form of capital. With consistency, integrity and quality, these young women can build sustainable livelihoods and strong reputations in their chosen fields,” she said.
Ms Addae encouraged the graduates to start small but remain intentional, emphasising professionalism, customer trust and collaboration as key drivers of long-term success.
“Strong women who support each other go much further together,” she added.
The ceremony was attended by Standard Chartered’s Global Head of Philanthropy and Community Impact, Natasha Kwakwa, highlighting the alignment between the local initiative and the bank’s global commitment to inclusive growth and community development.
Founder and Director of the McAryee Foundation, Mrs Grace A. Intsiaba, said the partnership with Standard Chartered had removed financial and social barriers that often prevent young women from accessing vocational training.
She explained that the foundation was established to support women from underserved communities who struggle to access quality education due to cost constraints.
“When women are equipped with practical vocational skills, they gain dignity, independence and the ability to support their families. This partnership has transformed lives,” she said.
According to Mrs Intsiaba, Standard Chartered fully funded the training, provided practical materials and covered examination fees, enabling participants to focus entirely on their studies. She added that the trainees demonstrated discipline, punctuality and teamwork throughout the programme, qualifying them for NVTI Proficiency certification.
Standard Chartered Bank noted that the Women Entrepreneurship Skills Project forms part of its broader social investment strategy focused on financial inclusion, employability and entrepreneurship among underserved populations.
Closing the ceremony, Ms Kwakwa urged the graduates to remain intentional in applying the skills they have acquired, whether entering the workforce or starting their own businesses.
She encouraged them to approach opportunities with confidence, responsibility and a long-term mindset, noting that sustainable progress is built on consistency, wise choices and commitment to excellence.
