Ghana Association of Banks Hosts Board-Level Ethics Training For Directors of Member Banks

Participants at the Board-Level Training for Directors workshop.
Participants at the Board-Level Training for Directors workshop.

The Ghana Association of Banks (GAB) organised a high-level Board Training Session on Ethics for Directors of member banks, as part of ongoing efforts to promote governance standards and deepen ethical leadership across Ghana’s banking industry.

Held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, the training convened bank directors and industry leaders to explore critical dimensions of ethical oversight and corporate governance at the board level.

In his welcome address, the Chief Executive Officer of GAB, Mr. John Awuah, underscored the importance of strong ethical foundations in sustaining trust, stability, and resilience within the financial system. He noted that effective board leadership must be anchored in integrity, accountability, and a clear commitment to sound governance practices. Mr Awuah also emphasised on the role of ethical leadership in setting the “tone at the top.”

CEO of the Ghana Association of Banks, Mr. John Awuah delivering his opening remarks
CEO of the Ghana Association of Banks, Mr. John Awuah delivering his opening remarks

The training programme, facilitated by PwC, was structured around three core thematic areas. The first session examined the foundation of ethics in banking, focusing on the role of ethics as a core pillar of banking, underscoring its impact on public confidence, institutional reputation, and long-term sustainability. Directors were also taken through their fiduciary duties, including responsibilities relating to care, loyalty, good faith, and confidentiality.

Lydia Pwadura, Partner PWC, delivering her keynote address
Lydia Pwadura, Partner PWC, delivering her keynote address

The second session addressed corporate governance oversight, highlighting the Board’s role in promoting an ethical culture and strengthening accountability frameworks. Emphasis was placed on effective oversight of Audit, Risk, and Compliance functions, as well as the need for timely escalation of control weaknesses and ethical breaches.

Mary Kwarteng Darko, Associate Director, PWC, facilitating the first training session.
Mary Kwarteng Darko, Associate Director, PWC, facilitating the first training session.

The final session focused on conflict of interest. The session addressed the identification and management of actual, potential, and perceived conflicts. Key issues discussed included disclosure obligations, recusal practices, insider lending, and related-party transactions, in line with regulatory requirements.

Michael Klobodu, Senior Manager, PWC, facilitating the last training session.
Michael Klobodu, Senior Manager, PWC, facilitating the last training session.

The interactive format of the programme, including a dedicated Q&A segment, enabled participants to engage deeply with the subject matter and share perspectives on emerging governance challenges within the banking sector.

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This initiative forms part of GAB’s broader commitment to promoting robust corporate governance and reinforcing ethical standards across member institutions, in line with evolving regulatory expectations and global best practices.