GCB Bank PLC is deepening its commitment to youth empowerment and  financial inclusion through a partnership with the Catholic Church for a major regional gathering that brings young people from the 16 West African countries to Accra.

The West Africa Youth Days (WAYD) 2026, being held this month, is a regional Catholic youth gathering convened under the auspices of the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa.

The event brings together young people from across the sub-region for cultural exchange, dialogue, learning and engagement on their role in building stronger communities.

The partnership affords GCB Bank an opportunity to extend its work by supporting young people as they navigate education, entrepreneurship, employment and their financial lives.

The bank’s youth empowerment drive includes giving young people the knowledge and confidence to make sound financial decisions and take advantage of opportunities available to them.

Young people aged 15 to 35 make up 36.9 per cent of Ghana’s population, according to the Ghana Statistical Service, making their development critical to the country’s economic and social progress.

Engaging youth

Through its Youth Banking Programme, GCB Bank engages young people on financial literacy, savings, digital banking and responsible money management.

The bank has also supported youth-focused platforms, including the National Youth Mentorship Summit and Success Africa Summit, where it has engaged young people on entrepreneurship, leadership and personal development.

Speaking on the partnership, the Chief Marketing, Communications and Customer Experience Officer of GCB Bank, Cynthia Ofori-Dwumfwo, said the bank saw youth engagement as an important part of its role in supporting the next generation.

“Young people are already contributing to our communities and economy in many ways. At GCB, we want to support them with the knowledge and confidence to make sound financial decisions and build a strong foundation for their future.

This partnership gives us another opportunity to connect with young people and support their financial journeys,” Ms Ofori-Dwumfwo said.

“GCB Bank remains committed to supporting customers through different stages of their lives and contributing to initiatives that help young people to build the knowledge, confidence and financial foundations needed for the future,” she added.

Regional gathering

The regional gathering provides a platform for young people from different countries and backgrounds to connect and exchange experiences.

The programme includes cultural performances, youth engagement activities, addresses from Catholic and public-sector leaders, and opportunities for participants to explore issues affecting young people across West Africa.

The gathering is being held on the theme: “Take Courage: Catholic Youth, Actors and Agents of Peace and Hope in West Africa”.

The initiative was first proposed by young people in Burkina Faso in 2019, and subsequently endorsed by the Bishops of the region before being delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Accra 2026 is the first edition of the West Africa Youth Days.

GCB Bank believes platforms that bring young people together can play an important role in building networks, encouraging new ideas and helping young people better understand the opportunities and challenges within the region.

Financial empowerment has become an important part of GCB Bank’s recent conversation.

From saving towards an education goal, starting a business, earning a first salary or learning to manage digital financial services, the bank offers counselling in developing good financial habits early to influence choices and opportunities over time.