Chartered Institute of Bankers to collaborate with BoG to strengthen microfinance institutions
The Chartered Institute of Bankers, (CIB) Ghana is to collaborate with the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to develop and strengthen microfinance institutions operating in the country. The institute will do this through designated courses aimed at building the capacity of the leaders of the companies.
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The newly inducted President of the CIB Ghana, Reverend Mrs Patricia Sappor, said the institute was ready to work with the Central Bank in that regard to kick start the trainings during her tenure.
“We want to collaborate with the Central Bank to support the microfinance institutions. We have over 400 microfinance institutions in Ghana and we believe that they need some form of support. We will support them by way of training, and keeping them abreast of what is expected of any banking professional,” she said.
She also expressed the readiness of the institute to work closely with the Bank of Ghana, the Ghana Association of Bankers and other stakeholders to offer suggestions that would contribute to the growth of the economy.
Vision for the Institute
The new president, who is also the Head of Corporate Communications at Ecobank Ghana, said the changing face of the banking landscape was the underlying reason why the governing council and executives sought to turn the institute into a world class, professional and financial learning centre churning out professionals with requisite skills to meet the changing demands.
Technology, she stressed, had redefined banking in Ghana, especially with the advent of mobile or digital banking and that had led to a corresponding change in the needs and expectations of customers.
“Customers’ needs and expectations are changing by the day with a lot more emphasis on bringing convenience to clients and creating customer-centric institutions. It is now very critical to keep abreast of changing trends in the market place,” she said.
Rev. Mrs Sappor added: “The above calls for banking professionals with unparalleled skills and the highest level of integrity to continue to drive the banking sector of our economy. In view of the above, my vision and that of the council is to transform the institute into a world-class, professional and financial learning centre.”
Achieving the vision
Rev. Mrs Sappor said the vision would be achieved by a number of initiatives which included reengineering the educational process of the institute to churn out innovative and digital savvy banking professionals, and sourcing for funds to commence with the building of the Ultra-Modern CIB Educational Facility.
“We will pursue the CIB Presidential Charter and build a strong network of ACIBs and working as a team and with a dynamic governing council, we shall support one another to achieve the above. We invite all ACIBs who are willing, and available to support in this journey of building a world-class professional and financial learning centre to join us,” she said.
First Female President
Rev. Mrs Sappor, who is the 17th President and the first female to run the institute after 38 years, accepted the new responsibility with a commitment to transform the institute into a world-class place of banking education.
“I humbly accept this new responsibility, knowing very well that God himself will be in the driving seat to lead us in everything we do and to catapult this institute into a world-class place of banking education,” she said.
She explained that true leadership involved giving oneself in service to others and without that sacrifice, one's capacity to lead will be severely limited.
“That is why I am committed to serve, and give off my best by the Grace of God. On behalf of the council I do promise that we shall build on the good foundation that has already been laid,” she added.
She also advised women to know and believe in themselves as it was possible for women to rise through the ranks and get to the top.
