CIB Ghana inaugurates Chartered Bankers Ladies Association (CBLA) in historic milestone for banking sector

By: Nana Appiah Acquaye

Chartered Institute of Bankers, Ghana (CIB Ghana) on Friday, February 6, 2026, officially inaugurated the Chartered Bankers Ladies Association (CBLA) in a transformative moment for the country's banking profession and institutionalizing gender equity in financial services. The historic event represents the realization of a vision conceived by Bishop Mrs. Patricia Sappor, FCIB, the First Female and Immediate Past President of CIB Ghana and the Founding Patron of the association.

Speaking at the inauguration, Bishop Sappor shared the deeply personal inspiration behind the Association. She narrated that  “Some years ago, I had a dream where 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 added that the dream became a conviction that there was the need to pull the women bankers together and create a platform where they can be assisted and supported emotionally and in various ways to achieve their God given purposes, visions, dreams and 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, and President of CIB Ghana, noted that the Association reflects a deliberate institutional action, representing strategic steps in advancing mentorship, leadership capacity building, and ethical standards within the banking profession.

Mr. Amenumey highlighted that inauguration of the Association was another level of inclusivity given the fact that CIB Act 991 of 2019 mandates two out of every three elected Council members must be female chartered bankers. He explained that the Association was “structural, not merely symbolic” noting that women now constitute over 50 percent of chartered bankers in Ghana and accounted for the majority at the recent graduation ceremonies.

Similarly, in his congratulatory remarks, Mr. Robert Dzato, Chief Executive Officer of CIB Ghana, commended the Association's alignment with global 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. 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 stated.

Mr. Dzato emphasized that the Association's focus on ethical standards positions it as a critical vehicle for advancing responsible banking practices in Ghana. He noted that research consistently demonstrates that diverse leadership teams make more balanced decisions, exhibit stronger risk management, and demonstrate higher ethical standards. He added that as the Institute navigates an increasingly complex financial landscape, the CBLA will play a vital role in ensuring that the banking profession not only meets regulatory requirements, but exceeds societal expectations for integrity, inclusivity, and accountability.

Ms. Alberta Quarcoopome, the appointed Interim President, outlined the Association's mission in her acceptance remarks, and announced that the CBLA is 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 added.

The Interim Executive Leadership Team includes:

Ms. Alberta Quarcoopome –President

Mrs. Doris Ahiati – Vice President

Mrs. Alberta Lomofio Boadu – Secretary

Mrs Nana Sika Ahiabor – Treasurer

Mrs. Joan Yvonne Apedo – Organising Secretary

Dr. Akorfa Ahiafor – Welfare Executive

Dr. Abena Pokua-Ackah – Strategy and Development Executive

The Association has identified three strategic pillars, namely: Competency building through workshops on digital skills, Communication, Entrepreneurship and Leadership skills. These will involve structured mentorship programs, pairing experienced professionals with emerging talent; and networking platforms fostering collaboration across institutions.

Bishop Sappor contextualized the Association's relevance within Ghana's evolving banking sector and noted that the industry is undergoing profound transformation, digital disruption, evolving regulations, and heightened ethical considerations are redefining our profession. She added that evidence shows that institutions with greater gender diversity make better decisions and women bring unique perspectives, particularly in customer experience and risk management.

The Interim President Ms. Quarcoopome, underlined that the Association will not operate in isolation, but under the umbrella of the CIB, will seek to deepen partnerships across various segments. She welcomed partnerships with male colleagues in the banking fraternity and beyond, recognizing that diversity strengthens institutions while envisioning a future where women and men accommodate each other professionally.

The Association, she noted, is firmly grounded in CIB Ghana's core values. "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,” Ms. Quarcoopome stated.

Bishop Sappor challenged members, stating: “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.”

The Founding Patron ended the inauguration with a stirring call to action, and a vision that resonated with the historic significance of the moment and dedicated the Association to mentoring, professional development, networking, and impact. In her final remark, Bishop Sappor pledged that CBLA will create a legacy where women in banking rise to every challenge with confidence and compassion, and invited all industry giants and generals to support them achieve their objectives.