The Chartered Institute of Bankers, Ghana, has officially inaugurated the Chartered Bankers Ladies Association in a move aimed at institutionalising gender equity within the country’s financial services sector.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Friday, February 6, 2026, marked the culmination of a vision first conceived by Bishop Mrs Patricia Sappor, FCIB, the First Female and Immediate Past President of CIB Ghana, who now serves as the Founding Patron of the association.
Speaking at the event, Bishop Sappor revealed the deeply personal inspiration behind the initiative, recounting a dream she had several years ago.
“I saw a lot of women of various ages in a huge labour ward going through tremendous labour pains and agony, with no one assisting them deliver their babies,” she narrated.
The dream, she explained, grew into a conviction that women bankers needed a platform where they could receive emotional and professional support to achieve their aspirations.
“Today is an affirmation that the future of banking will be stronger, fairer, and more resilient when we fully harness the talents of all our professionals,” Bishop Sappor stated.
Mr Benjamin Amenumey, FCIB, President of CIB Ghana, described the association’s launch as a deliberate institutional action representing strategic steps in advancing mentorship, leadership capacity building, and ethical standards within the banking profession.
He noted that the initiative advances inclusivity, particularly given that CIB Act 991 of 2019 mandates that two out of every three elected Council members must be female chartered bankers.
Mr Amenumey emphasised that the association is “structural, not merely symbolic,” revealing that women now constitute over 50 per cent of chartered bankers in Ghana and account for the majority at recent graduation ceremonies.
Mr Robert Dzato, Chief Executive Officer of CIB Ghana, commended the association’s alignment with international best practices in governance and sustainability.
“The inauguration of the CBLA represents a significant milestone in our institute’s commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance principles,” he said.
“Gender diversity and women’s empowerment are not just social imperatives. They are fundamental to building resilient, ethical, and sustainable financial institutions that serve all of society,” Mr Dzato added.
He noted that research consistently demonstrates diverse leadership teams make more balanced decisions, exhibit stronger risk management, and demonstrate higher ethical standards.
Ms Alberta Quarcoopome, appointed as Interim President, outlined the association’s mission in her acceptance remarks, describing the CBLA as a symbol of the united front of lady bankers with a mission to be resilient and intentional in the pursuit of excellence.
“Our mission is to build a legacy that will inspire generations of lady bankers to come,” she said.
The Interim Executive Leadership Team comprises Ms Alberta Quarcoopome (President), Mrs Doris Ahiati (Vice President), Mrs Alberta Lomofio Boadu (Secretary) and Mrs Nana Sika Ahiabor (Treasurer).
The rest are Mrs Joan Yvonne Apedo (Organising Secretary), Dr Akorfa Ahiafor (Welfare Executive), and Dr Abena Pokua-Ackah (Strategy and Development Executive).
The association has identified three strategic pillars for its operations: competency building through workshops on digital skills, communication, entrepreneurship and leadership skills; structured mentorship programs pairing experienced professionals with emerging talent; and networking platforms fostering collaboration across institutions.
Ms Quarcoopome stressed that the association will operate under the umbrella of CIB Ghana and seek to deepen partnerships across various segments, including with male colleagues.
“The CIB motto of honesty and integrity must be in the DNA of all lady bankers. As role models, we must be intentional in upholding these standards,” she stated.
Bishop Sappor challenged members to embrace leadership opportunities. “Believe in yourselves and your ability. Do not be afraid of leadership. Together, we will ensure this association becomes a transformative force in our profession, creating a natural habitat for women within Ghana’s financial sector,” she said.
In her final remarks, the Founding Patron dedicated the association to mentoring, professional development, networking, and impact, pledging that CBLA will create a legacy where women in banking rise to every challenge with confidence and compassion.
