The Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIB) has made a courtesy call to the offices of B&FT, further solidifying its long-standing relationship and exploring new avenues of collaboration as the CIB prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary.
The Institute’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Robert Dzato who assumed the role at the end of 2022, led the CIB delegation. The visit served not only as a gesture of appreciation for B&FT’s unwavering support, but also as an opportunity to deepen the relationship between the two institutions, he noted.
Mr. Dzato emphasised the 60th-anniversary celebrations importance as a time to reflect on the CIB’s achievements and renew its commitment to shaping the banking industry’s future through a redefined focus on professionalism and ethics.
“Now more than ever, there’s a need for banks to take a more proactive stance on ethical practices and professionalism, which is enshrined in the Chartered Institute of Bankers Ghana, Act 2019 (Act 991) that governs the CIB,” he noted.
As part of its upcoming celebrations, the CIB will launch events to mark the milestone on September 12 – followed by a forum dubbed ‘Banking the real economy’, which will address the need to standardise the definition of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), among other things, as well as the launch of a CSR initiative including a financial literacy programme for secondary schools.
“The timing of our financial literacy programme is particularly important in these times, and we will look to leverage our extensive network of members across the country,” Mr. Dzato commented as he announced a programme geared toward second-cycle educational institutions.
“This is evidence of the CIB’s commitment in contributing to the community, and we view this as a crucial long-term sustainability issue,” he added.
As part of their ongoing efforts to promote ethical conduct within the banking industry, this year’s annual conference scheduled for November will be known as the National Banking Ethics Conference. It will be themed ‘Redefining professionalism in banking through ethics’.
The CIB will also host its graduation ceremony and ball in honour of the central bank Governor in December.
The delegation included Head of Member Experience and Regulations, Patrick Baah Abankwa, as well as a Business Development Officer and Yussif Agana.
On the B&FT side, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Godwin Acquaye extolled the CIB as it prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary, saying the Institute – which was established to oversee banking and enhance the banking profession, promote ethical standards and develop skilled resources to ensure efficient, competitive services that meet evolving customer demands – has lived up to its billing.
“You have been at the forefront of professionalism in what is perhaps the most important sector of the economy, and this visit to the B&FT serves as a testament of your dedication to fostering ethical banking practices within the industry,” Dr. Acquaye added.
He reiterated the newspaper’s dedication to impartial business reporting, and its unwavering commitment to journalistic excellence while remaining non-political in its pursuit – adding that the outlet remains committed to supporting businesses as a vital contribution to national development.
“True journalism thrives on objectivity and excellence; we strive to uphold these values while wholeheartedly supporting businesses for the greater good of our nation,” he added.
The Director of Research and Economic Analysis at the B&FT, Dr. Daniel Amateye Anim-Prempeh, also played an instrumental role in facilitating discussions during the visit.
