Book on ‘The Economics of Banking and Finance in Africa’ launched

Professor Joshua Yindenaba Abor and Professor Charles K.D. Adjasi have launched a book at the Best Western Premier Hotel, Accra. The book, titled ‘The Economics of Banking and Finance in Africa: Development in Africa’s Financial Systems’, was published by Palgrave Macmillan (Springer Nature) and co-edited by the two eminent professors of finance.

Giving highlights on the book, Professor Joshua Y. Abor revealed that his motivation for writing is an intrinsic one, having to contribute to policy-relevant research and make materials available to students, researchers and policymakers. Professor Abor indicated his appreciation to all contributors to the book.

Earlier on in his opening remarks, Professor Ernest Aryeetey – Board-Chair of the African Economic Research Consortium and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, expressed satisfaction for efforts made by the editors in their relentless search for a very worthy publisher. He then added that by using such a publisher, the African continent will be projected to the rest of the world.

Contributing to the book, Professor Peter Quartey – Director of the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research of the University Ghana said: “A book on banking and finance is very timely and relevant given the dynamics the banking and financial sector has recently gone through, and I believe this is a book that will cut across not just our continent but the whole globe”.

Subsequently, in reviewing the book Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Professor Robert Darko Osei, highlighted that the book is indeed very timely considering the adverse effects of COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war on various economies of the world. He then added that the book is an important resource for stakeholders and anybody who wants to learn anything about financial systems in Africa.

In his address, Mr. Frank Adu – former CEO of Calbank and Guest of Honour added: “The two-volume book constitutes a compendium that reflects a detailed compilation of information on economics, banking, finance and other topics”. He also encouraged everyone to make it a point to purchase the book. Mr. Adu proceeded to declare the book launched.

The event had in attendance faculty, staff and students from the University of Ghana, as well as distinguished guests from both the banking and insurance sectors.