The Chartered Institute of Bankers, Ghana (CIB Ghana) has closed 2025 with notable institutional gains, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening ethics, professionalism and skills development within Ghana’s financial sector, while preparing to expand selected programmes across West Africa in 2026.
Speaking at the Institute’s annual Thanksgiving Service in Accra, the Chief Executive Officer of CIB Ghana, Mr. Robert Dzato, described 2025 as a productive year marked by progress in education, ethical standards and professional practice across the banking industry.
He said the Institute remained firmly aligned with its statutory mandate to promote banking education and regulate professional practice, while adapting to the evolving needs of the financial services industry.
“2025 has been particularly rewarding. We rolled out several programmes to advance our educational mission and placed strong emphasis on ethics across the banking sector,” Mr. Dzato noted.
He disclosed that CIB Ghana had also deepened its sustainability and responsible banking agenda through strategic collaborations with key institutions, including the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank Group, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Bank of Ghana.
According to him, these partnerships were aimed at strengthening trust, competence and responsible conduct throughout the financial system.
Looking ahead, Mr. Dzato said 2026 would be a pivotal year for the Institute, with plans to extend the reach of some flagship programmes beyond Ghana’s borders.
He revealed that CIB Ghana intends to regionalise selected offerings across the West African sub-region, starting with the Chartered Banker Executive Leadership Programme (CBEL).
Describing CBEL as one of the Institute’s most impactful professional development initiatives, he said the programme had already produced significant results.
“Last year alone, about 57 professionals in senior management positions across the banking industry, including the central bank, graduated from the programme. It is a strong solution that we believe should be taken to other markets,” he said.
Mr. Dzato explained that the Institute’s broader mission was to help address Africa’s human capital needs by developing trusted, competent financial professionals.
He added that CIB Ghana would continue to prioritise its core programmes in 2026, particularly the Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (ACIB) qualification, which remains its flagship professional pathway for bankers.
New initiatives, including Ethics 2.0, the Branch CEO Programme and the Digital Academy, are also expected to gain momentum in the coming year, with a strong focus on competence, character and conduct across the profession.
“These elements are critical to deepening trust in the banking sector as we move into 2026,” he said.
The President of CIB Ghana, Mr. Benjamin Amenumey, described 2025 as a year of transformation and growth for the Institute, and commended the Governing Council, management, staff, fellows and members for their collective efforts.
He also acknowledged the continued support of key stakeholders such as the Ghana Association of Banks and the Bank of Ghana.
“This progress would not have been possible without the commitment and collaboration of our partners and stakeholders,” Mr. Amenumey stated.
Expressing optimism for the year ahead, he said the Institute was entering 2026 with renewed energy and a stronger commitment to integrity, service and excellence, stressing that values must remain central to professional practice.
As part of the event, CIB Ghana honoured long-serving staff members for their dedication and contributions to the Institute’s growth. Award recipients included Elorm Kobla Seshime, Rosemary Yaa Amponsah Offei, Margaret Adofo, Paul Gadzekpo and Daniel Aboagye, in recognition of their years of service and institutional loyalty.
