Rural Banks’ directors undergo training for corporate governance certification

By Seth KRMAPAH, Kumasi

The National Council of Association of Rural Banks – Ghana has successfully organized a Corporate Governance Certification training for directors of rural banks across some selected regions in Ghana.

This initiative aims to strengthen governance practices within the rural banking sector and enhance the leadership skills of directors to drive sustainable development.

The training, held in Kumasi recently, brought together industry experts, financial analysts, and governance specialists who provided in-depth knowledge on regulatory compliance, risk management, ethical leadership, and strategic decision-making.

Participants engaged in interactive sessions designed to equip them with the necessary tools to foster transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the management of rural banks.

The certification training programme was in partnership with ARB Apex Bank PLC with facilitators from the National Banking College a premier institution with rich legacy of training financial leaders and have carefully curated a program that is both insightful and practical, designed to empower board members with current trends and solutions relevant to the unique challenges of rural banking in Ghana.

Speaking at the event, the National President of the Association of Rural Banks, Eric Appiah emphasized the importance of strong corporate governance in ensuring the stability and growth of rural financial institutions.

According to him, effective governance structures are vital to the success of every organization and the certification program was designed to empower directors with the expertise needed to navigate the evolving financial landscape while maintaining integrity and good governance.

Mr Appiah emphasized that the certification training was not merely a statutory requirement under the Government’s Corporate Governance Directive 2021 and the Banks, as well as the Specialized Deposit Taking Institution Acts 2016 (Act 930).

He however mentioned that it critically serves as a strategic platform for equipping directors with the knowledge and tools necessary for effective oversight in areas such as corporate governance, risk management, financial stewardship and regulatory compliance.

The certification training being the second in the series of 2025, the Council is of a strong belief that each iteration brings directors closer to building institutions that are not only compliant but resilient, trusted and transformative in their operations.

The National Council of the Association has commended the Bank of Ghana for its continued guidance and foresight in ensuring that governance remains a priority within the RCB subsector of the banking industry.

The National President believes that the Certification Training would not only reinforce participant’s individual capacity but also contribute meaningfully to strengthen their institutions and the sector. “Indeed, your leadership as directors directly impacts the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians who depend on our banks for access to secure and inclusive financial services.

The Executive Director of Association of Rural Banks – Ghana, Solomon Amankwah in his opening address stressed that rural and community banks play a crucial role in Ghana’s economic development by providing financial services to underserved communities.

By equipping their leaders with advanced governance skills, the National Council seeks to promote financial inclusion and improve access to credit for small businesses and rural dwellers.

Participants expressed their enthusiasm and appreciation for the training, noting that the knowledge gained would significantly impact their institutions. Many directors highlighted the importance of continuous education in governance to adapt to regulatory changes and enhance operational efficiency.

The Corporate Governance Certification training marks a significant milestone in the National Council’s efforts to strengthen Ghana’s rural banking sector. As rural banks continue to evolve, such initiatives will ensure that directors are well-prepared to lead their institutions with confidence and professionalism.

The post Rural Banks’ directors undergo training for corporate governance certification appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.

Read Full Story