The Chartered Institute of Bankers Ghana (CIB Ghana) officially inaugurated the Chartered Bankers Ladies Association (CBLA) last week in a transformative moment for the country’s banking profession, institutionalizing gender equity in financial services as women now constitute over 50 percent of chartered bankers.
The historic event represents the realization of a vision conceived by Bishop Patricia Sappor, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (FCIB), the first female and immediate past president of CIB Ghana and founding patron of the association. The inauguration establishes a formal platform for mentorship, leadership capacity building and professional development for women in Ghana’s banking sector.
Speaking at the inauguration, Bishop Sappor shared the deeply personal inspiration behind the association. She narrated that some years ago, she had a dream where she saw many women of various ages in a huge labor ward going through tremendous labor pains and agony with no one assisting them deliver their babies.
She added that the dream became a conviction that there was need to pull 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. Bishop Sappor stated that today is an affirmation that the future of banking will be stronger, fairer and more resilient when the sector fully harnesses the talents of all professionals.
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. He highlighted that inauguration of the association was another level of inclusivity given that CIB Act 991 of 2019 mandates two out of every three elected Council members must be female chartered bankers.
Amenumey 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 recent graduation ceremonies. The statement underscores a fundamental shift in the demographic composition of the banking profession.
Robert Dzato, Chief Executive Officer of CIB Ghana, commended the association’s alignment with global best practices in governance and sustainability. He stated that the inauguration of the CBLA represents a significant milestone in the institute’s commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, adding that gender diversity and women’s empowerment are not just social imperatives but fundamental to building resilient, ethical and sustainable financial institutions that serve all of society.
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.
Alberta Quarcoopome, the appointed interim president, outlined the association’s mission in her acceptance remarks, announcing 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. She stated that the association’s mission is to build a legacy that will inspire generations of lady bankers to come.
The interim executive leadership team includes Alberta Quarcoopome as President, Doris Ahiati as Vice President, Alberta Lomofio Boadu as Secretary, Nana Sika Ahiabor as Treasurer, Joan Yvonne Apedo as Organizing Secretary, Dr Akorfa Ahiafor as Welfare Executive, and Dr Abena Pokua-Ackah as Strategy and Development Executive.
The association has identified three strategic pillars including 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, noting that the industry is undergoing profound transformation as digital disruption, evolving regulations and heightened ethical considerations are redefining the 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 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 is firmly grounded in CIB Ghana’s core values according to Quarcoopome. She stated that the CIB motto of honesty and integrity must be in the DNA of all lady bankers, adding that as role models, members must be intentional in upholding these standards.
Bishop Sappor challenged members, stating that they should believe in themselves and their ability, and should not be afraid of leadership. She stated that together, members will ensure this association becomes a transformative force in the 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, dedicating 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.
The Chartered Institute of Bankers Ghana is the statutory professional body established under the Chartered Institute of Bankers Ghana Act 2019 Act 991 to promote the study of banking and regulate the practice of the banking profession. Since its establishment in 1963, the institute has played a central role in developing trusted professionals for the financial sector with strong emphasis on ethics, professionalism and leadership.
The Chartered Bankers Ladies Association operates under CIB Ghana’s auspices as a professional women’s organization. Founded in 2026 under the motto Nurturing to Impact, the association supports professional development, leadership advancement and networking for women in Ghana’s banking sector.
Bishop Sappor made history in 2016 when she became the first female president of the Chartered Institute of Bankers Ghana in the institute’s 43 year history. Under her tenure, she pushed through the passage and subsequent assent to the Chartered Institute of Bankers Ghana Act 991 2019, which gave more autonomy to the institute to police the practice of banking ethics in the country.
She has over 33 years of banking experience with 22 years in Ecobank in various roles and capacities. She retired from Ecobank in 2018 as Assistant Vice President of Ecobank Ghana and Regional Head Corporate Communications, Ecobank Foundation, Anglophone West Africa covering Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Gambia and Guinea.
In October 2025, Bishop Sappor was honored with the Customer Experience (CX) Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ghana Customer Experience Awards 2025 in recognition of her transformative impact on customer service and ethical leadership in Ghana’s banking industry. She is also a Bishop of the United Denomination of Action Churches (UDAC) founded by Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams.
