Africa-Press – Ghana. The Chartered Institute of Bankers, Ghana (CIB Ghana) has inaugurated the Chartered Bankers Ladies Association (CBLA), marking a significant milestone in promoting gender equity and strengthening female leadership within Ghana’s banking and financial services sector.
The historic event marks the realization of a vision conceived by Bishop Mrs. Patricia Sappor, FCIB, the First Female and Immediate Past President of CIB Ghana and the Founding Patron of the Association.
Bishop Sappor recounted that the idea was inspired by a dream.
“Some years ago, I had a dream where I saw a lot of women of various ages in a huge labour ward going through tremendous labour pains and agony, with no one assisting them deliver their babies,” she narrated.
She explained that the dream convinced her of the need to bring women bankers together to create a supportive platform where they could receive emotional and professional support to achieve their God-given purposes, visions, dreams, and aspirations.
“Today is an affirmation that the future of banking will be stronger, fairer, and more resilient when we fully harness the talents of all our professionals,” Bishop Sappor stated.
She observed that the banking industry was undergoing profound transformation, with digital disruption, evolving regulations, and heightened ethical considerations redefining the profession. She cited evidence that institutions with greater gender diversity make better decisions, noting that women bring unique perspectives, particularly in customer experience and risk management.
Ms. Alberta Quarcoopome, Interim President of the Association, said: “Our mission is to build a legacy that will inspire generations of lady bankers to come.”
Other members of the Interim Executive Leadership Team are Mrs. Doris Ahiati, Vice President; Mrs. Alberta Lomofio Boadu, Secretary; Mrs. Nana Sika Ahiabor, Treasurer; Mrs. Joan Yvonne Apedo, Organising Secretary; Dr. Akorfa Ahiafor, Welfare Executive; and Dr. Abena Pokua-Ackah, Strategy and Development Executive.
The Association has identified three strategic pillars: competency building through workshops on digital skills, communication, entrepreneurship, and leadership; structured mentorship programmes pairing experienced professionals with emerging talent; and networking platforms to foster collaboration across institutions.
Ms. Quarcoopome indicated that the Association would operate under the umbrella of CIB Ghana and would seek to deepen partnerships across various segments of the profession.
Mr. Benjamin Amenumey, FCIB, President of CIB Ghana, described the Association as a deliberate institutional initiative representing strategic steps toward advancing mentorship, leadership capacity building, and ethical standards within the banking profession.
He noted that the inauguration reflects another level of inclusivity, highlighting that the CIB Act 991 of 2019 mandates that two out of every three elected Council members must be female chartered bankers.
Mr. Amenumey emphasized that the Association is “structural, not merely symbolic,” adding that women now constitute over 50 percent of chartered bankers in Ghana and formed the majority at the recent graduation ceremonies.
Mr. Robert Dzato, Chief Executive Officer of CIB Ghana, commended the Association’s alignment with global best practices in governance and sustainability.
“The inauguration of the CBLA represents a significant milestone in our institute’s commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance principles. Gender diversity and women’s empowerment are not just social imperatives. They are fundamental to building resilient, ethical, and sustainable financial institutions that serve all of society,” Mr. Dzato said.
He added that the Association’s focus on ethical standards positions it as a key vehicle for advancing responsible banking practices in Ghana.
Mr. Dzato noted that research consistently shows that diverse leadership teams make more balanced decisions, exhibit stronger risk management, and uphold higher ethical standards.
