GCB Bank PLC, has partnered the King’s College and the Faculty of History at the University of Cambridge tosponsor an authors’ conference on the political economy of Ghana.
The event which took place on July 26 and 27, 2023 at the Cambridge University, was focused on historical review spanning the commencement of regular cocoa exports in 1891, and the beginning of petroleum exports in 2010.
The sponsorship forms part of the ‘Thought Leadership‘ programmes of GCB’s Platinum Anniversary celebrations, aimed at comprehensively examining Ghana’s political economy.
Keynote speaker, Professor Ernest Aryeetey, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, joined several scholars specialising in development studies, economics, economic history, history, and political science for the two-day event.
Speaking to the sponsorship, Chairman of the Board of Director of GCB Bank, Jude Arthur highlighted theinspiration for the partnership, as well as the bank’s role in Ghana’s history
“GCB Bank has been part of Ghana’s history and economic development since its inception in May 1953. As part of our 70th anniversary celebrations and our general efforts to share information on the Bank’s impact and contribution going forward.
GCB Bank has been exploring collaboration opportunities with reputable institutions for Thought Leadership programmes which will help shape the conversations and actions relating to our economy. Through this collaboration with the University of Cambridge, we aim to leverage the University’s expertise; reach and resources; as well as the bank’s role as a key player in Ghana’s financial history, our contributions and plans for the future, to highlight the relevant commitments which Ghana needs in order to register a significant improvement in its development.
We will sustain and build on this collaboration beyond our 70th anniversary celebrations with the intention to continue to improve on our contribution to the general development of Ghana,” he said.
Professor Gareth Austin and Dr. Kofi Adjepong-Boateng from the University of Cambridge, who were key to the organisation of the conference also presented papers on “Dynamics of Cocoa Cultivation in Ghana; 1891-2010” and “Foundational Debates on Central Banking in the Gold Coast,” respectively.
Other scholars who presented papers included Cyrelene Amoah-Boampong, Nana Yaw Sapong, Emmanuel Abbey, Emmanuel Adu-Danso– all from the University of Ghana; Ravi Kanbur from Cornell University; and Paul Nugent of Edinburgh University.
There were also, Professor Akua Opokua Britwum from the University of Cape Coast, and other speakers from universities in the United States, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Germany who participated.
The conference’s proceedings will be revised for publication to form part of GCB’s 70th anniversary celebrations as contributions to the development of banking in Ghana, and consequently serve as a foundation upon which Ghana’s economy can accelerate and pave way for further progress.
The GCB team was led by its Board Chairman, Jude Arthur; Managing Director, Kofi Adomakoh, and other senior officials.
