Rural banks set for 2nd Women’s Conference and 10th Banking Week in Ho

By Seth KRAMPAH

In a bold stride toward sustainable finance and inclusive governance, Ghana’s rural banking sector is gearing up for the 10th Rural Banking Week and the 2nd ARB Women’s Conference, slated for Thursday, 21st November 2025, at the Volta Serene Hotel in Ho. Themed “Driving Sustainable Financial Inclusion and Good Governance in Rural and Community Banks through ESG Principles,” the event promises to be a transformative gathering of industry leaders, policymakers, and women trailblazers.

The celebration will be headlined by Mrs. Matilda Asante Asiedu, 2nd Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, who will deliver the keynote address as the Special Guest of Honour. Her presence underscores the central role of regulatory leadership in advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks within Ghana’s financial ecosystem, particularly among rural and community banks.

The 2^nd Deputy Governor’s keynote address is expected to resonate deeply with the conference’s gender empowerment agenda, as she continues to champion women in leadership across Ghana’s financial sector.

As a vocal advocate for inclusive governance and gender equity, her recent engagements have spotlighted the need for deliberate mentorship, capacity building, and policy alignment to elevate more women into executive roles. Her presence at the ARB Women’s Conference reinforces her commitment to nurturing a new generation of female leaders who can drive innovation, resilience, and ethical stewardship in rural banking.

Adding a powerful historical and visionary touch to the event will be Mrs. Comfort Owusu, the immediate past Executive Director of the Association of Rural Banks Ghana. Credited with initiating the ARB Women’s Conference during her tenure, Mrs. Owusu will deliver a Special Guest Presentation on “Building a Leadership Pathway for Women in Rural Banking,” offering insights into the evolution of female leadership and the strategic imperatives for the future.

The conference will also feature Fraternal Messages from the GCB Ladies and ECG Ladies Associations, reinforcing the spirit of solidarity and cross-institutional collaboration among women in finance. These messages are expected to highlight shared aspirations, celebrate achievements, and encourage mentorship across the banking spectrum.

A key highlight of the day will be the breakaway sessions, designed to spark dialogue and action around women’s empowerment in rural banking. Topics include “Breaking the Glass Ceiling in Rural Banking: Women Leading the Future of the Sector,” “Empowering Women for Sustainable Leadership: Driving ESG and Innovation in Rural Banking,” and “The Power of Collaboration: Women Networking for Influence in Rural Banking.” These sessions will bring together emerging leaders, seasoned professionals, and change agents to explore practical strategies for transformation.

The 10th Rural Banking Week marks a decade of resilience, innovation, and community impact by Ghana’s rural banks. This year’s edition, with its dual focus on ESG and gender leadership, signals a new era of strategic alignment with global sustainability goals and inclusive governance standards.

Organizers anticipate robust participation from across the country, including board members, CEOs, relationship managers, and marketing executives from rural and community banks. The event is also expected to attract development partners, civil society actors, and media professionals committed to amplifying the voices and visions of rural finance.

As the banking sector navigates digital transformation, climate finance, and evolving customer expectations, the 2025 Rural Banking Week and ARB Women’s Conference offer a timely platform to reflect, reimagine, and recommit to a future where rural banks are not only financially sound but socially responsive and gender inclusive.

The Executive Director of the Association of Rural Banks, Ghana, Solomon Amankwa, has told Business & Financial Times in an exclusive interview assuring stakeholders of a meticulously planned and impactful conference that reflects the sector’s growing dynamism and commitment to excellence.

He emphasized that this year’s Rural Banking Week and ARB Women’s Conference will not only celebrate milestones but also catalyze meaningful dialogue around ESG integration, gender leadership, and innovation in rural finance.

“We are committed to delivering a high-level experience that inspires action, fosters collaboration, and positions our rural banks as key drivers of inclusive and sustainable development,” he stated.

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