News Guide Africa

Tag: Mrs. Sylvia Naa Kwakai Nyante

  • ADB Makes History with First-Ever CIB Chapter Retreat to Shape Banking Future

    ADB Makes History with First-Ever CIB Chapter Retreat to Shape Banking Future

    The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB PLC) has made another significant mark in Ghana’s banking industry with the first-ever retreat of its Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIB) Chapter, creating a strategic platform to strengthen professionalism, deepen collaboration, and prepare bankers for the rapidly changing future of financial services.

    Held at Akosombo on 7th and 8th August 2026, under the theme “Recharge, Reconnect and Reinvent,” the two-day retreat brought together members of the CIB-ADB Chapter across the country, executives, and industry experts for a blend of professional development, strategic conversations, mentorship, networking, and team-building.

    The historic retreat was led by the President of the CIB-ADB Chapter who is also the Deputy Managing Director in charge of Services at ADB, Mrs. Sylvia Naa Kwakai Nyante. Participants were honoured to have the Managing Director of ADB, Edward Ato Sarpong, attending as a Special Guest and the Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Ghana, Robert Dzato, also attending as a Speaker.

    The initiative underscores ADB’s growing emphasis on developing its human capital and building a new generation of banking professionals equipped with the knowledge, leadership capabilities, ethical grounding, and innovative mindset in line with ADB’s strategic vision of being among the top 3 banks in Ghana, globally admired for its people, processes, and performance.

    Theme: Recharge, Reconnect, and Reinvent

    Addressing participants, Mrs. Sylvia Naa Kwakai Nyante said the maiden retreat represents much more than a gathering of professional bankers, describing it as an opportunity for members to reconnect with one another, strengthen professional relationships, and collectively reflect on their role in shaping the future of banking.

    Mrs. Nyante emphasised that the theme, “Recharge, Reconnect and Reinvent,” speaks directly to the realities of today’s banking environment, where institutions and professionals must continuously adapt to technological advancement, changing customer expectations, emerging risks and increasing competition.

    According to her, the strength of the CIB-ADB Chapter must ultimately be reflected in the quality of its members, the professional standards they uphold, and the value they bring to ADB and the wider banking industry.

    “The future of banking will require professionals who are prepared to continuously learn, collaborate and reinvent or reposition themselves. This retreat provides us with an opportunity to recharge, strengthen the bonds among us and develop the collective capacity required to contribute meaningfully to the transformation of ADB PLC and the banking profession,” Mrs. Nyante said.

    She noted that building stronger professional relationships among members would also encourage mentorship, knowledge sharing and a greater sense of belonging within the Chapter.

    ADB PLC Investing in the Future of Its People

    The Managing Director of ADB, Edward Ato Sarpong, commended the leadership of the CIB-ADB Chapter for introducing the retreat in the banking industry and creating a platform that brings professional development closer to employees.

    He noted that the transformation of ADB PLC into a stronger, more competitive and customer-focused institution requires deliberate investment in the people who drive the Bank’s strategy.

    The ADB MD highlighted that while digital technology is rapidly transforming the delivery of financial services, people will remain central to the success of banking institutions. He therefore encouraged participants to embrace continuous professional development and remain responsive to emerging trends within the industry.

    “As banking continues to evolve, the institutions that will lead are those that combine innovation and technology with knowledgeable, ethical and highly motivated people. Our investment in professional development is therefore an investment in the future of ADB,” the ADB MD stated.

    Edward Ato Sarpong urged members of the Chapter to translate the knowledge, relationships and ideas developed during the retreat into improved customer experience, stronger teamwork and greater value for the Bank’s stakeholders.

    Robert Dzato Challenges Bankers to Prepare for the Future

    The CEO of CIB Ghana, Mr. Robert Dzato, a guest speaker, highlighted the increasingly dynamic nature of the banking profession and the need for practitioners to continually enhance their competencies.

    He underscored the important role of professional banking education in building a resilient financial sector and challenged bankers to look beyond traditional approaches to banking as digitalisation, artificial intelligence, data analytics and changing customer behaviour redefine the industry.

    Robert Dzato further encouraged members to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct, noting that trust remains fundamental to banking despite the technological transformation taking place within the sector.

    “Banking may be changing in the way services are delivered, but professionalism, competence, integrity and trust will remain at the heart of the profession. The banker of the future must therefore be technically competent, digitally aware, innovative and deeply committed to ethical practice,” Mr. Dzato said.

    He commended the CIB-ADB Chapter for setting the pace by organizing the first-ever CIB chapter retreat and creating a dedicated platform for professional engagement. Mr. Dzato also encouraged members to take advantage of the Institute’s programmes to continuously upgrade their knowledge and capabilities.

    From Professional Development to Stronger Human Connections

    The retreat programme was deliberately designed to combine professional development with human-centred engagement.

    The opening day featured a welcome and introductory session followed by a Committee Spotlight Session, during which the Welfare, Learning and Development, and Membership Committees highlighted their roles and priorities.

    A major feature was “The Big Conversation,” which provided a platform for participants to explore the retreat theme and exchange perspectives on professional growth, collaboration and the changing banking landscape.

    The programme also featured “Sharing the Thrill,” allowing participants to share experiences and stories that have shaped their professional journeys.

    On the second day, participants engaged with industry leadership through speaker sessions, while executives and committee members of the CIB-ADB Chapter were inducted and sworn into office.

    The retreat further incorporated feedback and reflection sessions, networking opportunities and social activities, including a talent show and karaoke night, to deepen camaraderie and strengthen relationships among members.

    A New Chapter for Professional Banking at ADB

    The maiden CIB-ADB Chapter Retreat represents a major step in strengthening professional banking culture within ADB and creating a sustainable platform for learning, mentorship and leadership development.

    It also signals a broader recognition that the future competitiveness of financial institutions will depend significantly on their ability to build bold, agile, innovative and highly skilled workforces capable of responding to disruption and creating value for customers.

     

    For ADB, the historic gathering reinforces its commitment to building a workforce that is not merely prepared to respond to the future of banking, but empowered to help shape it even far beyond banking.

     

  • ADB Supports Ga Mantse Ahead of 2026 Homowo Climax

    ADB Supports Ga Mantse Ahead of 2026 Homowo Climax

    The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) PLC has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and strengthening relationships with traditional authorities by supporting the Ga State ahead of the climax of the 2026 Homowo Festival.

    A high-powered delegation from the Bank, led by the Deputy Managing Director in charge of Operations, Mrs. Sylvia Naa Kwakai Nyante, paid a courtesy call on the Ga Mantse and presented a donation comprising an undisclosed amount of cash, assorted drinks, bottled water, and schnapps to support this year’s Homowo celebrations.

    The donation formed part of ADB’s longstanding commitment to promoting national unity, preserving Ghana’s cultural traditions, and partnering with communities in celebrating important festivals that define the country’s rich identity.

    Presenting the items on behalf of the Bank, Mrs. Nyante conveyed warm greetings from the Board; Managing Director, Edward Ato Sarpong; Executive Management; and Staff of ADB to the Ga Mantse and the people of the Ga State. She noted that Homowo is more than a festival, it is a celebration of resilience, gratitude, unity, hope, and values that resonate strongly with ADB’s corporate philosophy.

    She stated that ADB remains proud to identify with Ghana’s traditional institutions and believes they play an indispensable role in promoting peace, social cohesion, and national development.

    “At ADB, we recognise that our success is deeply rooted in the communities we serve. Supporting the Homowo Festival reflects our respect for Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and our commitment to strengthening partnerships with traditional authorities and the people of the Ga State,” Mrs. Nyante stated. “As a proudly Ghanaian bank, we remain dedicated to initiatives that unite our people and preserve the values that define us as a nation,” she added.

    The DMD Operations further reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives that contribute to community development while creating lasting value for customers and stakeholders across the country.

    Receiving the donation, the Ga Mantse expressed appreciation to ADB for its thoughtful gesture and continued support for the Homowo Festival. He commended the Bank for recognising the significance of Ghana’s traditional institutions and for consistently demonstrating its commitment to community development and national progress.

    The Ga Mantse also invoked blessings upon the Board, Management, Staff, and customers of ADB, praying for continued growth, prosperity, and success for the Bank and its customers.

    Homowo, one of Ghana’s most celebrated traditional festivals, commemorates the triumph of the Ga people over famine and serves as a powerful reminder of resilience, thanksgiving, unity, and shared prosperity. The annual celebration brings together chiefs, elders, families, residents, and visitors from across the country and beyond to honour the customs and traditions of the Ga State.

     

    ADB’s support for this year’s celebration underscores the Bank’s enduring commitment to corporate citizenship and its belief that sustainable development is achieved by working closely with communities and preserving the cultural heritage that binds the nation together.

    As one of Ghana’s leading indigenous banks, ADB continues to champion initiatives that promote economic empowerment, social inclusion, and cultural preservation, remaining true to its promise of delivering value that goes beyond banking.

    Other members of the ADB delegation included: Leon Bannerman Williams, Chief Risk Officer; Enoch Benjamin Donkoh, General Manager in charge of Business Banking; Kwame Asiedu Attrams, General Manager in charge of Agribusiness; Mohammed Ali, Head of Marketing and Communications; and Mrs. Obaapa Yeboah Addo, Head of Customer Care.

     

  • ADB expands business channels …Asian & Diaspora Trade Desk, Other Specialised Business Desks Introduced to Enhance Service Experience and Convenience 

    ADB expands business channels …Asian & Diaspora Trade Desk, Other Specialised Business Desks Introduced to Enhance Service Experience and Convenience 

    Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) PLC has expanded its business channels with the introduction of specialised business desks to enhance service experience and convenience.

    The strategic initiative includes the establishment of a dedicated Asian & Diaspora Trade Desk; Women’s Business Desk; Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME); Asset Management & Advisory Services; as well as Investment & Wealth Management Desk.

    The aim is to enhance customer experience, service convenience, drive financial inclusion, and responding to the evolving needs of its diverse customers.

    Speaking on the initiative, the Managing Director of ADB PLC, Edward Ato Sarpong, emphasised that the introduction of these specialised business desks marks an important step in the Bank’s transformation journey. According to him, each desk is designed to offer industry-specific expertise and bespoke financial and advisory solutions to meet the unique needs of these market segments.

    “These new business offerings reflect our commitment to going beyond traditional banking to support our customers in ways that truly matter, just as our corporate tagline, Beyond Banking, signifies,” he said. “Our corporate tagline is not just a tagline, but an unwavering commitment to redefining banking, empowering businesses, building futures, driving prosperity, and nurturing communities,” the ADB MD said.

    Mr. Ato Sarpong added that the initiative will position the Bank ahead of competition, strengthen client relationships, and create new opportunities for business growth, particularly within emerging economic segments.

    He further noted that the specialised desks will also drive financial empowerment for women, support foreign business communities operating in Ghana, promote MSME development, and provide structured guidance for customers seeking long-term investment and wealth-building opportunities.

    The ADB MD explained that the introduction of the Women’s Business Desk is designed to empower women entrepreneurs and professionals by offering tailored financial solutions, advisory services, and capacity-building support to help them grow and sustain their businesses.

    “ADB is committed to creating an enabling environment where every segment of society, particularly women, can thrive through access to targeted financial products and expert support. The Women’s Business Desk is more than just a service point, it’s a platform for empowerment, partnership, and progress,” he said.

    Mr. Ato Sarpong highlighted that the Asian Trade Desk, will support businesses involved in trade between Ghana and Asian markets considering the zero-tariff trade agreement announced between Ghana and China, offering trade finance, foreign exchange, and import-export advisory services. The Investment and Wealth Management Desk will also provide high-net-worth individuals and institutional clients with strategic investment options and financial planning services.

    The MSME Desk reaffirms ADB’s focus on supporting small and medium businesses with accessible loans, advisory services, and development tools, and the Asset Management & Advisory Services Desk will offer strategic counsel for customers looking to grow or diversify their financial portfolios, he added.

    In her comment, the Deputy Managing Director in charge of Operations, Mrs. Sylvia Naa Kwakai Nyante, stated that the expansion of the Bank’s business channels was in line with its strategic growth agenda.

    “The introduction of these business desks marks a new chapter in our customer engagement journey. We are not only diversifying our services but also creating dedicated spaces where clients can access in-depth expertise and personalized support,” the DMD Operations said.

    Mrs. Nyante expressed the unwavering commitment of ADB to continue to provide diversified and convenient service offering for our customers and the general public.

    The expanded offerings form part of ADB’s broader strategy to position the Bank among the top three banks in Ghana, strengthened by deep sector expertise, agile customer responsiveness, and innovative solutions that support the nation’Rewrite the below article into a Ghanaian stlye news, starting with a headline,maintaining all quoted sentences, do not repeat wordings especially for the beginning of paragraphs and avoid bold and italics:s economic growth.