The Ghana Association of Banks (GAB) has defended one of its member banks over its decision to remain open during the national sanitation exercise on Friday, July 10, 2026, while condemning the alleged conduct of the Member of Parliament for Okaikwei North, Theresa Lardi Awuni, towards a CalBank worker.

In a statement issued on Monday, July 13, GAB said it had taken note of an incident in which the MP reportedly visited the bank’s branch, made disparaging remarks to a staff member who was participating in the clean-up exercise, and later indicated that she had contacted the bank’s Managing Director to express her displeasure.

The Association said it became aware of the incident through videos and commentary circulating on social media and sought to provide the public with the full context.

According to GAB, banks were exempt from the government’s directive requiring businesses to close between 6:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. during the clean-up exercise because they are classified as essential service providers.

It explained that under the Imposition of Restrictions Act, 2020 (Act 1012) and its accompanying Executive Instruments issued during the COVID-19 pandemic, banks and other financial institutions were designated as essential service providers, a classification that remains applicable.

GAB further cited the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs’ directive on the two-day clean-up exercise, which exempted institutions providing essential and emergency services from the temporary closure order.

Based on that directive, the Association said it instructed all member banks to keep their branches open while ensuring staff participated in cleaning the immediate surroundings of their premises.

According to GAB, the directive was complied with by member banks nationwide, including the branch involved in the incident.

The Association described reports that the MP allegedly entered the bank, forced her way into the branch manager’s office and confronted staff over the branch’s decision to remain open as “deeply concerning and unfortunate.”

“GAB wishes to state unambiguously that it does not condone any conduct by a member bank that flouts a lawful government directive and will not hesitate to address such conduct when it occurs,” the statement said.

“Equally, GAB will not accept conduct by any individual or group of persons who seek to demean, intimidate, or undermine the integrity of staff of any of its member banks, who were at all times acting in full compliance with the applicable legal framework and government guidance.”

The Association added that as a law-abiding and significant tax-paying sector, it would not tolerate intimidation or abusive language directed at staff of its member banks.

GAB maintained that the branch remained open because banks are recognised as essential service providers and stressed that its staff also took part in the clean-up exercise in support of the President’s national sanitation initiative