Speaking at a gathering of banking sector stakeholders in Accra, he emphasised the role of the banking sector in driving economic growth and enhancing livelihoods.

“Financial institutions should adopt inclusive, community-driven strategies that prioritize long-term impact over short-term gains,” he stated.

“This includes investing in financial literacy, leveraging technology, forming strategic partnerships and embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into core policies,” he stated.

Opportunity International Savings and Loans Limited (OISL)convened forum dubbed “the Africa Chapter Meeting of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV).”

The event brought together stakeholders to explore how “value-driven finance” can foster “a more inclusive and sustainable financial system.”

The GABV is a global network of independent banks committed to using finance as a force for sustainable economic, social, and environmental impact.

The African Chapter is made up of seven Banks and Financial institutions from five countries across Africa, with Opportunity International Savings and Loans Limited being the only member in Ghana.

Highlighting the role of technology in the banking sector, Mr. Martin Rohner, the Executive Director for GABV, urged financial institutions to deploy artificial intelligence ethically to support the provision of financial services.

Mr. Fabian Kassi, Managing Director of Centenary Bank in Uganda, called for a stronger alignment between profitability and social impact, emphasising that the the banking industry needed tofocus on sustainable solutions that directly improve the lives of customers.

Mr. Kwame Owusu-Boateng, Chief Executive Officer, OISL, highlighted the importance of adhering to strong ethics and banking standards to build trust with customers.

Ms. Alberta Quarcoopome, Chairperson for the occasion,challenged other financial institutions to demonstrate greater responsibility in the delivery of financial services and support the principles of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV).

In attendance were board members of OISL and representatives from the Ghana Association of Savings and Loans Companies (GHASALC), Ghana Microfinance Institutions Network (GHAMFIN), Development Bank Ghana (DBG), Turaco, and other financial institutions.