Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has sworn in the new Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Ghana (CIB Ghana), urging members to confront cybercrime, digital banking fraud, and the emerging threat of artificial intelligence (AI) in the sector. The ceremony took place at the Ministry of Education in Accra on November 1, 2026. Nine Council members, led by President and Chairperson Dr Ellen Ohene-Afoakwa, took the oaths of office and secrecy in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Ghana Act, 2019 (Act 991).
Conveying congratulations from President John Dramani Mahama, Mr Iddrisu urged the Council to use its mandate to promote professional excellence, strengthen ethical standards, and respond to emerging challenges in banking. The Act empowers the Institute to regulate professional banking practice, set standards, administer examinations, and promote continuing professional development (CPD). The Minister emphasized the importance of ethics in the banking profession, citing the need for accurate information, avoidance of fraud, and upholding confidentiality.
The Minister also called for greater attention to non-performing loans (NPLs), regulatory compliance, and sound corporate governance. He highlighted the sector's improved resilience but challenged the Council to consider how those gains could be sustained. Mr Iddrisu also acknowledged the contribution of community banks to financial inclusion and the promotion of a savings culture, particularly in rural communities.
The Minister asked CIB Ghana to advise the Ministry on the feasibility of introducing financial literacy into the national curriculum, including the appropriate level. This initiative aims to equip students with essential knowledge on managing finances effectively. Responding for the Council, Dr Ohene-Afoakwa thanked President Mahama and the Minister for their trust, emphasizing the Council's responsibility to help shape the future of the banking profession in Ghana.
Dr Ohene-Afoakwa stated that the Council would focus on professional standards, digital finance capability, good governance, ethical leadership, and stronger pathways for the next generation of bankers. The Council's ambition is to build a profession that is future-ready, globally competitive, strong in integrity, competence, and public trust. The Institute has already incorporated cybersecurity and virtual assets into its curriculum, alongside data analytics and green finance.
Chief Executive Officer of CIB Ghana, Mr Robert Dzato, emphasized that continuing professional development is a key requirement for maintaining professional competence. To be a member in the institute going forward, it's not just paying subscription, but one must take a certain minimum number of credit hours in a year to continue to maintain that status as a chartered banker. The Institute is also emphasizing leadership, soft, and digital skills.
CIB Ghana will hold its 30th National Banking and Ethics Conference on 9 and 10 November 2026 under the theme “Trust, Technology and Transformation.” The Minister has confirmed his participation, while the Governor of the Bank of Ghana and the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations are also expected to attend. The conference aims to bring together industry stakeholders to discuss key issues and trends in the banking sector.
Key points
- The new CIB Ghana Governing Council will focus on professional standards, digital finance capability, and good governance.
- The Institute has incorporated cybersecurity and virtual assets into its curriculum to equip bankers with essential skills.
- The 30th National Banking and Ethics Conference will discuss key issues and trends in the banking sector, including trust, technology, and transformation.
