The newly sworn in councilors
The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has sworn into office the new Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Ghana (CIB Ghana), with a call on its members to strengthen professional standards, ethical conduct and the banking sector’s resilience against emerging threats.
The ceremony, held at the Ministry of Education in Accra, saw members of the 2026 Governing Council take their oaths of office and secrecy in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Ghana Act, 2019 (Act 991).
The Council is led by Dr. Ellen Ohene-Afoakwa as President and Chairperson, with Woelinam Dogbe as Vice President and Benjamin Amenumey as Immediate Past President. Robert Dzato serves as Chief Executive Officer.
Other members include Rosemond Amoo, Doris Yaa Aggrey Ahiati, Daniel Kweku Arhin, John Awuah, representing the Ghana Association of Banks; Elliot Adu Amoako, representing the Bank of Ghana; Kudjo Andy Ameckson of the Ministry of Finance; and Emmanuel Oteng of the Ministry of Education.
Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the Education Minister urged the Council to promote professional excellence, enforce ethical standards and equip bankers to respond to changing industry demands.
He identified cybercrime, digital banking fraud and artificial intelligence as emerging threats requiring urgent attention.
“We expect that you will respond to the new emerging challenge of artificial intelligence and how that can impact on fraud associated with banking in Ghana,” he said.
The Minister also urged the Institute to pay attention to non-performing loans, regulatory compliance and corporate governance.
He stressed that ethical conduct was fundamental to the banking profession, urging practitioners to provide accurate information, avoid fraud, protect customer confidentiality and refrain from discriminatory practices.
Although he acknowledged improvements in the resilience of the banking sector, he said sustaining the gains would require stronger corporate governance.
Mr. Iddrisu also highlighted the contribution of community banks to financial inclusion and urged CIB Ghana to advise the Ministry on incorporating financial literacy into the national curriculum.
In her remarks, Dr. Ohene-Afoakwa said the new Council was committed to shaping the future of banking in Ghana amid rapid technological developments and emerging industry risks.
She identified professional standards, digital finance capabilities, good governance, ethical leadership and opportunities for young bankers as key priorities.
She said banking went beyond financial institutions and transactions to include supporting businesses, facilitating investment, creating opportunities and contributing to national economic development.
Dr. Ohene-Afoakwa said the Council would work towards building a profession that was future-ready, globally competitive and anchored in integrity, competence and public trust.
She identified cyber fraud and non-performing loans as major concerns, adding that the Institute had incorporated cybersecurity, virtual assets, data analytics and green finance into its curriculum.
The Chief Executive Officer of CIB Ghana, Robert Dzato, announced plans to make continuing professional development (CPD) mandatory for members.
He said chartered bankers would be required to earn a minimum number of professional development credit hours annually to maintain their membership status.
Mr. Dzato said the Institute was also strengthening leadership, soft and digital skills development, expanding digital learning and improving its faculty.
He added that efforts were underway to develop future banking professionals through university programmes in banking and ethics, as well as financial literacy initiatives in secondary schools.
A Business Desk Report