Access Bank (Ghana) Plc has named Pearl Nkrumah as its new Managing Director, effective October 1, 2025, marking the first time a woman will lead the bank since it began operations in Ghana. Her appointment has been approved by both the Board of Directors and the Bank of Ghana.
Nkrumah succeeds Olumide Olatunji, who has led the bank since 2018 and will transition into an executive role within the parent company, Access Bank Plc in Nigeria.
Commenting on the appointment, Ama Bawuah, Chair of the Board of Directors at Access Bank (Ghana) Plc, said: “We are pleased to welcome Pearl Nkrumah as our new Managing Director. Having worked alongside Pearl on the local board over the past three years, her appointment is a testament to Access Bank’s commitment to diversity and her extensive track record and leadership capabilities. We are confident that she will lead the bank into its next phase of growth, building on the successes of her predecessor, while inspiring future generations of women in leadership.”
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Olumide Olatunji for his exemplary service and his immense contribution to building Access Bank Ghana Plc over the years into the formidable business it is today.”
In her remarks, Nkrumah said: “It is a great privilege to lead Access Bank Ghana at such a pivotal time. Together with the Board, management, and our dedicated employees we will deliver superior value to our customers, shareholders, and the communities, building Ghana’s leading catalyst for growth in line with our vision to be the world’s most respected African bank and a true partner in national progress.”
Nkrumah, who previously served as Executive Director for Retail & Digital Banking at Access Bank Ghana and as Head of Retail Business for Access Africa subsidiaries (excluding Nigeria), brings more than 25 years of experience in the banking and financial services sector. She also chairs the Council of the Ghana Stock Exchange, representing listed companies.
Her career began at Standard Chartered Bank in 1998, before moving to Stanbic Bank in 2012, where she held senior roles in commercial and business banking. She joined Access Bank in 2022 as Executive Director, helping to shape retail banking strategy across 15 markets in Africa.
Her appointment underscores Access Bank’s succession planning and commitment to diversity and inclusion at the leadership level. The bank has achieved strong growth in recent years, supported by partnerships with institutions such as IFC, MasterCard, and Norfund, alongside recognition as Best Bank in Ghana (Euromoney 2023 & 2025; Global Finance 2024 & 2025) and multiple awards in ESG, sustainability, and digital banking.
Outgoing Managing Director Olatunji expressed confidence in his successor: “It has been a privilege to serve as Managing Director of Access Bank (Ghana) Plc over the past 7 years. During my tenure, I have witnessed the dedication of our people and the resilience of our institution. I am delighted to hand over to Pearl Nkrumah, whose leadership and expertise are well recognized in the industry. I have no doubt she will continue to strengthen the bank’s position and lead it to even greater heights.”
