Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) has successfully held the fourth edition of its annual autism workshop and consultation, reaffirming its commitment to championing awareness, early intervention, and inclusive support for individuals on the autism spectrum.
The 2025 edition, themed “From Awareness to Action: Advancing Autism Inclusion,” is a four-day event hosted at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
Kicking off on Monday, July 21, the event opened with an in-depth workshop and continues with a three-day free consultation clinic running from Tuesday, July 22, through Thursday, July 24.
The initiative brings together professionals from medical, educational, and caregiving backgrounds, along with families, to advance understanding and acceptance of autism within Ghana and across the region.
The workshop on Monday, July 21, 2025—a key component of the event—featured expert-led panel discussions and interactive sessions designed to equip participants to identify, support, and empower people living with autism.
Speaking at the workshop, the Head of Corporate Communication and Customer Experience, Agnes Owusu-Afram, stressed that the programme goes beyond being a corporate social responsibility project. She described it as a strategic commitment to fostering long-term, inclusive impact.
“This initiative, over the past four years, has become a platform for self-advocacy, education, and awareness on autism. The feedback has been incredibly encouraging,” she said.
She noted how the programme has led to changes in attitudes among teachers and caregivers, who now have greater empathy and knowledge to handle neurodiverse behaviour.
“Teachers now approach students who don’t conform to conventional classroom norms with patience and new strategies. Parents, guardians, and even house helps are learning that, rather than punishing a child, it’s more effective to understand and respond appropriately to their behaviour,” she explained.
Through the initiative, Mrs. Owusu-Afram noted that some parents have made changes to the schools their children attend and have gained a better understanding of their strengths and capabilities.
The Head of Family Health at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Kennedy Brightson, who spoke on behalf of the Director-General, Professor Samuel Akoriyea, commended GTBank for such a bold and life-changing initiative.
Dr. Brightson acknowledged that no family is immune to autism; hence, the event brings awareness to the doorstep of every citizen.
“You don’t decide whether you want to have an autistic child or not. It comes your way. The children with autism live in the community, not in isolated places,” he said.
Dr. Brightson also affirmed the Ghana Health Service’s readiness to play its part, encouraging health workers to remain committed to caring for individuals with autism.
Since its inception, the GTBank Autism Workshop has grown into a respected regional platform, providing support to thousands of families and influencing important policy conversations that prioritise neurodiversity.
GTBank’s continued investment in autism advocacy reflects its broader aim of creating meaningful social impact beyond the financial sector. It is working toward a future where inclusion and empowerment are the norm.
More than just an annual event, the 4th GTBank Autism Workshop represents a broader call for empathy, acceptance, and structural change.
GTCO, in an earlier statement, reiterated its role not just as a leading financial entity but as a brand committed to promoting dignity, inclusion, and social development.
This ongoing initiative affirms the bank’s mission to uplift all members of society—especially those whose voices are often overlooked.
Source: Adomonline.com
