Dr Ellen Ohene-Afoakwa Takes Helm of CIB Ghana, Eyes Education and Professional Development

Ghana's banking sector has a new champion of professional excellence. The Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIB) Ghana has elected Dr Ellen Ohene-Afoakwa, a senior banking executive at Absa Bank Ghana, as President for the next two years. The election took place at the Institute's sixth Annual General Meeting in Accra, marking a significant moment for the professional body that regulates and develops banking talent across the country.

Dr Ohene-Afoakwa, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers with experience on the Institute's Governing Council, assumes the presidency with an ambitious vision centred on three pillars: education, skills development, and staff welfare. Her election reflects growing recognition of the need to strengthen Ghana's banking workforce at a time when the sector faces evolving regulatory demands and competitive pressures in West Africa's financial landscape.

She will be supported by Mr Woelinam Dogbe of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) as Vice President, alongside a diverse Governing Council that brings expertise from insurance, consulting, and international banking.

A Focused Agenda for Banking Excellence

In her acceptance remarks, Dr Ohene-Afoakwa outlined a commitment to upholding the Institute's core mission: promoting banking education, regulating professional practice, and fostering ethical conduct across the sector. Her emphasis on skills development and continuous learning comes at a crucial time for Ghana, where banks are increasingly competing for talent and grappling with digital transformation, compliance complexity, and customer service expectations.

The new President has pledged to strengthen relationships with stakeholders across Ghana's financial sector, enhance the Institute's public profile, and mentor the next generation of banking professionals. She specifically committed to advocacy work that shapes policy discussions around banking practice and professional standards—a role that could influence how regulators and government approach financial sector development.

The Institute will also focus on examination standards, professional training, and the annual Bankers Week celebration, which serves as a networking and thought-leadership platform for the industry.

Strong Financial Performance Strengthens the Institute's Reach

The Institute's election news comes alongside encouraging financial results for 2025, which paint a picture of a thriving professional body gaining prominence in Ghana's financial ecosystem. CIB Ghana recorded total revenue of GH¢18.82 million, up 33 per cent year-on-year, with a net operational surplus rising 36 per cent to GH¢1.48 million.

Examination and student activities were the standout performer, generating GH¢5.22 million—a remarkable 174 per cent increase. This suggests the Institute is reaching more banking professionals seeking qualifications and continuing education. Commercial training income jumped 86 per cent, and rental income from the Institute's renovated auditorium grew by 40 per cent, indicating expanded capacity for hosting industry events and training programmes.

Members' funds grew 21 per cent to GH¢8.52 million, demonstrating financial resilience despite rising expenditure driven by staff costs and professional development activities. The Institute's healthy balance sheet positions it well to expand programmes and services under Dr Ohene-Afoakwa's leadership.

Why It Matters for Ghana's Banking Sector

The CIB Ghana election is significant for Ghana's broader economic development. Banking professionals who are well-trained, ethical, and committed to continuous learning help drive financial sector stability, customer confidence, and sound lending practices. These factors matter for businesses seeking credit, households saving for the future, and government efforts to deepen financial inclusion across the country.

Dr Ohene-Afoakwa's focus on education and capacity building also reflects a recognition that Ghana must develop its own banking talent pipeline rather than rely solely on international recruitment. Her emphasis on mentoring younger professionals could help address skills gaps and build a more robust domestic financial workforce.

As ECOWAS economies increasingly integrate financially and compete globally, having a strong professional institute setting standards and developing talent gives Ghana a competitive edge. The Institute's growing financial strength and expanding training reach suggest its influence on the sector will only deepen in the years ahead.