The Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIB) Ghana is stepping forward to equip the country’s financial sector for the growth of non-interest banking, placing professional training and ethical finance principles at the centre of the transition.
This follows a webinar hosted by the Institute on the theme “Non-Interest Banking and Finance: A Pathway to Ethical Banking and Inclusive Growth,” which brought together regulators, bankers and Islamic finance experts to discuss how the model can expand financial access and support value-driven banking practices.
Advisor to the Governor on Non-Interest Banking and Finance, Prof. John Gatsi, said the Bank of Ghana is ensuring a regulatory framework that supports innovation while maintaining neutrality across the financial system. He noted that participation in the sector will be guided by a two-tier licensing structure, one for conventional banks offering non-interest products, and another for fully non-interest banking institutions.
Drawing on Nigeria’s experience, Mr. Attahiru M. Maccido, Managing Director of One 17 Capital Ltd, shared that early skepticism in Nigeria has given way to strong performance from institutions like Jaiz Bank and TAJBank, driven by increased public understanding of ethical finance.
Also speaking, Dr. Shaibu Ali, Director-General of the Islamic Finance Research Institute of Ghana, emphasized that non-interest banking is grounded in real economic activity and asset-backed transactions, prohibiting speculative and excessively risky financial practices.
Bank executives noted rising demand from customers who prefer value-based banking and highlighted opportunities for financing SMEs, agribusiness, and infrastructure while aligning with global Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investment trends.
Closing the session, CIB Ghana CEO, Mr. Robert Dzato, announced that the Institute will introduce a certification programme in non-interest banking as part of the 2025 Bankers’ Week to build the professional expertise needed to support the sector.
“CIB Ghana will continue to lead professional development as the financial system evolves. Non-interest banking presents an opportunity to strengthen ethical conduct and broaden financial inclusion,” he said.
