On June 17, 2025, Absa Bank Ghana Ltd, in partnership with the Ghana Association of Banks (GAB), successfully hosted a high-level Thought Leadership Forum at the Palms by Eagles Hotel (formerly Holiday Inn, Airport City). The event was themed: “Banking the Last Mile: An Industry-Led Strategy for Accelerating Digital Finance.”
The forum brought together key stakeholders from across the financial services ecosystem-banks, regulators, fintechs, and policymakers to discuss how Ghana can accelerate innovation, inclusion, and regulatory alignment in the digital finance space.
The event was graced by Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, who delivered the keynote address. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of collaboration between banks and regulators in shaping a digital finance future that prioritizes access, value, and capability for all.
One of the standout sessions was a presentation by Mr. Kwame Oppong, Director of FinTech at the Bank of Ghana, who spoke on: "Digital Finance: The Impact of FinTech, Digital Assets, and Cryptocurrencies on Banks and Regulators." His session provided deep insights into the shifting regulatory landscape and the implications of emerging technologies on financial service delivery.
The event also featured a strong message from Dr. Edward Nartey Botchway, Managing Director of Absa Bank Ghana, who reinforced the role of industry partnerships and cross-sector collaboration in building a resilient, inclusive, and innovative financial system.
This was followed by an engaging panel discussion on “Digitalisation of Finance – Implications of FinTech Developments for Banks and Regulators,” featuring representatives from the Bank of Ghana, commercial banks, fintechs, and Absa Ghana.
In closing, Mr. Ouzzani Hakim, Vice President of GAB and Managing Director of Société Générale Ghana, expressed appreciation to Absa Bank for their leadership and commitment to advancing industry-wide conversations. He also stressed the need to build capacity in emerging technologies, enhance cooperation, and ensure the banking sector stays ahead of the innovation curve.
As Ghana’s financial sector continues to evolve, GAB remains committed to driving inclusive innovation, regulatory dialogue, and strategic partnerships that shape the future of finance.