By Elizabeth PUNSU, Pakyi No 2
The Ashanti Chapter of the Association of Rural Banks (ARB) has launched the 10th Rural Banking Week and the 2nd ARB Women’s Conference with a call for Rural and Community Banks (RCBs) to deepen financial inclusion and strengthen good governance through Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles.
The week-long celebration, which will celebrated on the theme; “Driving Sustainable Financial Inclusion and Good Governance in Rural and Community Banks Based on ESG Principles,” runs from 10–16 November 2025, with additional national climax activities scheduled later in the month.
Activities lined up for the week include radio talk shows on 12th November to promote rural banking, a donation exercise at Garden City Special School on 14th November, and a Thanksgiving Service on 30th November at Peyer’s Presby Church in Bantama. The national climax, being organised in collaboration with ARB Ghana, will take place on 22nd November at Volta Serene Hotel in Ho.
Speaking at the launch, The Ashanti Chapter President, Ben Kwakye-Adeefe Esq., urged directors, Chief executive officers (CEOs) and media partners to support the programme and help highlight the contributions of the 28 rural banks operating under the Ashanti umbrella.
Lawyer Kwakye-Adeefe, in his opening remark, underscored the importance of ESG integration in rural banking, noting its potential to enhance transparency, strengthen governance structures and promote sustainable development. He emphasised that RCBs remain central to financial inclusion, serving over 6.5 million customers nationwide.
Since the establishment of the first rural bank in Agona Nyakrom in the Central Region 1976, the sector has expanded to 147 licensed RCBs with over 850 branches across all regions. Ashanti alone hosts 28 rural banks and one affiliate, employing more than 6,000 people.
RCBs were established to extend credit and financial services to farmers, traders and small businesses in underserved communities. Today, they continue to play a pivotal role in job creation, community development and financial intermediation.
According to Mr. Kwakye-Adeefe, strengthening ESG practices, investing in women and reinforcing good governance will be essential for ensuring the sustainability and competitiveness of Rural and Community Banks as the sector approaches its 50th anniversary.
He further expressed appreciation to ARB Apex Bank PLC and development partners, including GIZ, for their ongoing advocacy, training and capacity support to ensure women take on more managerial and board-level roles in the years ahead.
The launch also highlighted the upcoming 2nd ARB Women’s Conference, scheduled for 20–23 November in Ho, focusing on leadership, inclusion and the rising role of women in the financial sector.
President, Ashanti Rural Bank Ladies (ARBLAS), Nana Mansa Afra I, for her part stressed that women’s participation enhances risk management, improves customer relations and strengthens institutional performance. Despite persistent challenges such as limited mentorship and work–life balance constraints, women continue to drive growth and resilience in the rural banking industry.
The post ARB outlines ESG-driven path for growth as it marks 10th rural banking week appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.
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