ARB Apex Bank & rural bank CEOs set for 24th Annual Conference in Takoradi

By Seth KRAMPAH, Kumasi

The ARB Apex Bank and Chief Executive Officers of all rural and community banks across Ghana are set to converge in Takoradi from October 3 to 5 for the 24th Annual Rural Bank CEOs Conference.

This year’s gathering, themed “Bridging the Gap: Empowering Rural Banking in a Digital Economy,” promises to be a landmark event, bringing together key stakeholders to explore the future of rural banking in an increasingly digital financial landscape.

The conference will be held at the Western Serene Atlantic Hotel, a venue known for its serene ambiance and strategic location in the Western Region.

With digital transformation at the heart of the discussions, participants will delve into innovative strategies to enhance financial inclusion, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen the resilience of rural banks in Ghana.

A major highlight of the conference will be the presence of Mrs. Matilda Asante-Asiedu, the Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, who will serve as the special guest of honour. Her participation underscores the Central Bank’s commitment to supporting rural financial institutions in their digital evolution and regulatory compliance.

For the first time, in the history of the conference, the President of the CEOs Group, Alhaji Hayatudeen Awudu Ibrahim, who is also the CEO of BESSFA Rural Bank Plc, Garu, will deliver a paper that will seek to address some regulatory bottlenecks in the corporate governance directive by the regulator. His address is highly anticipated, as it is expected to set the tone for the conference and offer fresh insights into leadership, innovation, and collaboration within the rural banking sector.

Security and depositor protection will also take center stage, with presentations from the Anti-Robbery Squad of the Criminal Investigation Department of the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Deposit Protection Corporation. These sessions aim to equip rural banks with practical tools to safeguard assets and reassure customers in an era of rising digital threats.

In addition to these high-profile presentations, the conference will feature a series of thematic discussions derived from the overarching theme. Topics will include digital onboarding, mobile banking solutions, cybersecurity, and leveraging data analytics to enhance customer experience and product development.

The conference will also serve as a platform for networking, experience sharing, and strategic partnerships among rural bank leaders, fintech innovators, and regulatory bodies.

Participants are expected to leave with actionable strategies to bridge the digital divide and position their institutions for sustainable growth.

They will also be looking forward to an update on the banking industry and make time to look at matters arising from the communique issued in the 2024 conference, held in Ho.

As rural banks continue to play a pivotal role in Ghana’s financial ecosystem, this year’s conference marks a critical moment for reflection and renewal. With a strong lineup of speakers and a forward-looking agenda, the 24th Annual CEOs Conference is poised to chart a bold new course for rural banking in Ghana.

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