The Ghana Association of Banks (GAB) on Friday, March 21, 2025 organized a Networking Session and Cocktail at its forecourt, bringing together Managing Directors from its member banks. The event served as a platform to foster professional relationships and industry collaboration and to acknowledge outgoing Managing Directors for their contributions to the banking sector while welcoming newly appointed Managing Directors to the association.
In his welcome address, Mr. John Awuah, Chief Executive Officer of GAB, expressed appreciation to participants for their presence and acknowledged the rarity of such gatherings. He emphasized the importance of informal engagements in strengthening industry ties and facilitating impactful decisions. Additionally, he took the opportunity to welcome new members to the banking sector, recognizing their contributions to the industry.
Addressing attendees, Mr. Kwamina Asomaning, President of GAB, proposed increasing the frequency of such networking sessions to a quarterly basis. He highlighted the need for greater social interaction among industry leaders, noting that while competition is essential, informal engagements help build stronger professional relationships. He also expressed delight in reconnecting with industry peers, some of whom he had not seen in a long time.
A key highlight of the evening was the recognition of outgoing Managing Directors, Mr. John Kofi Adomakoh, former MD of GCB Bank, Mr Kwamina Duker, former CEO of DBG, Mr. Samuel Sarpong, former MD, NIB, and Alhassan Yakubu-Tali, former MD of ADB who were honoured for their contributions to the banking sector. Special presentations were made to appreciate their dedication and impact on the industry, underscoring GAB’s commitment to celebrating excellence and leadership. Following the presentations, the awardees delivered brief thanksgiving speeches, expressing gratitude for the recognition and reflecting on their experiences in the banking sector.
Mr John Kofi Adomakoh, former President of GAB, commended the new President of GAB and called on the General Council to support his leadership. He also praised the efforts of the organising team and encouraged participants to acknowledge and appreciate their contributions.
The event was characterized by a lively and engaging atmosphere, with music setting the tone for an enjoyable evening. Guests were treated to a variety of finger foods and an assortment of drinks, creating a relaxed and convivial environment for networking and socializing.
Bringing the evening to a close, Mr. Edward Nartey Botchway, Managing Director of ABSA, delivered the closing remarks. He expressed appreciation to all participants for attending and reaffirmed the importance of such gatherings in fostering collaboration and strengthening relationships within the banking sector.
The session provided a relaxed environment for industry leaders to engage in meaningful conversations, reinforcing the significance of collaboration and networking within Ghana’s banking sector.
In attendance were Bank managing directors, Chief executive officers, Directors and representatives from institutions in including the Chartered Institute of Bankers Ghana, National Banking College, Ghana Interbank Payment Settlement System, Ghana Revenue Authority, Ministry of Finance, Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana, EY, KPMG, PWC, Ghana Employer’s Association, GAB Health Insurance and Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana.