To demonstrate its unwavering commitment to supporting Ghana’s economic growth and development, Consolidated Bank Ghana LTD (CBG) has hosted its maiden Thought Leadership Breakfast Meeting, a solution-based stakeholder engagement platform to address economic challenges.
The event, held under the theme “Import v Exports – Role of CBG, Policy Makers; and SMEs in fostering business growth and currency stabilization,” brought together key stakeholders for an engaging and insightful dialogue. The session also sought to recognize the importance of fostering informed discussions that can lead to positive economic progress.
The Managing Director of Consolidated Bank Ghana LTD, Mr. Daniel Wilson Addo, set the tone for the event highlighting the Bank’s customer-centric approach and commitment to supporting businesses, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
He emphasized the role of CBG as an SME and a policy bank, dedicated to significantly contributing to the realization of optimal economic goals for Ghana.
“The objective of this gathering is to bring key stakeholders together to engage with each other, know what we’re currently doing right, what we can improve upon, and particularly, what solutions exist to make our export industry a coveted one,” stated Mr. Addo.
In his solidarity message, Guest Speaker at the event, Mr. Kwamina Bentsi Enchill Duker, the CEO and Managing Director of Development Bank Ghana, emphasized the need for industry collaboration as the key to fostering economic prosperity. He underscored the pivotal role of banks in providing the bedrock of financial stability for businesses to flourish.
The CEO of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Dr. Afua Asabea Asare in a speech read on her behalf by the Deputy CEO of GEPA, Samuel Dentu, shed light on the significance of the export sector and the challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises.
It was further highlighted that collaborative efforts from financial institutions, policymakers, businesses, and stakeholders are needed to nurture an environment conducive for growth, innovation, and inclusive prosperity.
“The vast majority of the companies operating in the export sector are SMEs. These SMEs often find it extremely difficult to obtain financial support for their projects, despite their potential,” she said.
“It is important to note that, the Bank, Policymakers, Businesses, and all Stakeholders have a role to play in supporting the Export Sector to grow. We need to grow our export revenues exponentially if we are to catch up with the rate of importation of goods and services and ensure a healthy balance of trade position that will trigger economic growth and the stability of the Ghana Cedi,” she added.
Other panelists for the session include Madam Edwina Assan, Sector Chair for the Association of Ghana Industries, Mr. Divine Kutortse, Programme Office, National AfCTA Coordination Office and Prof. Godfred Bokpin who gave valuable insight into stakeholder involvement in the development process towards our economic growth as a nation.
The CBG Thought Leadership Breakfast Series is a platform for fostering meaningful dialogue and mutual corporate relationships. The Bank’s commitment to thought leadership and economic enlightenment echoes its role as a catalyst for informed economic growth and stability.
Consolidated Bank Ghana LTD (CBG) is wholly owned by the Government of Ghana and operates as a universal Bank with 114 branches in 13 regions of Ghana. The Bank has strong government support, a large SME client network, and a pool of diverse talent.