The deputy Managing Director (MD) of Agriculture Development Bank (ADB), Eno Ofori-Atta, has charged women in the financial sector not to hesitate in taking up leadership positions in the sector.
Speaking as chairperson at the ADB Ladies Association re-launch, themed ‘Building peer support network for professional development’, Mrs. Ofori-Atta noted that women have no excuse for not seizing leadership roles.
“To our ladies, we cannot eat our cake and have it back. If we call for gender equity or want to be given equal access for career developments in the banking industry, we should not hide behind family, distance and/or refuse certain roles,” she said.
She urged executives of the association to create adequate platforms to facilitate networking between management of the bank and its members, adding that they must also organise mentorship and professional development programmes for members and women in general.
The purpose of the re-launch, according to president of the ADB Ladies Association Bridget Kaminta, is to instil a sense of teamwork among ladies and provide a platform for networking and building relationships with other professionals within and beyond the field of banking.
Ms. Kaminta added that the interim executives are committed to delivering on their mandate by implementing new initiatives, programmes and services which result in real differences to the lives of those they serve.
Addressing the gathering, Managing Director of ADB and a patron of the ADB Ladies Association Alhassan Yakubu-Tali emphasised the immense contribution of women in shaping the bank’s history, and also commended the crucial role that the association is playing in the lives of women within the bank.
“I am proud to say the Ladies Association has been at the forefront of promoting women’s rights and empowerment. It has proved to be the space for women to voice their opinions, share their experiences and contribute to the bank’s growth. Also, it serves as a platform for ladies to come together, support each other and work toward a common goal,” he said.
Taking into consideration a dispensation wherein technological advancement has led to rapid changes in the banking sector across the globe, Mr. Yakubu-Tali described the event’s theme as relevant and timely.
According to him, the staff strength of ADB has a representation of over 46 percent women, and therefore their contributions cannot be discounted. He pledged his unwavering support to growth and success of the association, saying: “Come rain or shine, count on me as your number-one supporter”.
Chairperson for the Women’s Wing of the Union of Industry, Commerce and Finance Workers (UNICOF), Ruth Osei, said the journey to career development requires stronger support and cooperation from everyone. She assured the association of her outfit’s support, noting that UNICOF believes in growing and learning together.
