Academic City University has emerged as the winner of the maiden edition of the National Banking and Ethics Challenge, narrowly beating the University of Ghana by just three points in a tensed final showdown.

Organized by the Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIB), Ghana, the competition aims to promote financial literacy and ethical standards among university students. The challenge brought together top tertiary institutions, including the University of Ghana, Wisconsin International University College, the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Pentecost University, and Academic City University, in a highly competitive yet educational quiz format.

The event tested participants on a range of thematic areas within the financial sector, with a strong emphasis on ethical banking practices and financial literacy. Speaking to Joy Business, the Chief Executive of CIB, Robert Dzato, emphasized the institute’s commitment to deepening financial knowledge across Ghana’s educational institutions.

"As the Chartered Institute of Bankers Ghana, our mandate is to promote banking education and regulate the practice of the banking profession. So beyond training and certifying people to become chartered bankers, we also take financial literacy to many schools. In the last two years, we've worked with schools in the Ashanti, Volta, Eastern, and Greater Accra regions. That’s how we assure ourselves of the sustainability—not only of the financial system but of the broader economy," he stated.

Quiz mistress and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Doris Ahiati, explained that the competition covered diverse topics, including financial regulations, banking operations, and ethics.

According to her, “a customer listening in would hear something related to their everyday experiences in the bank, such as the accounts they open, the types available, how they are managed and how complaints are handled. It’s about addressing both every day and technical banking issues.”

Sharing his experience, Afari Joshua, a student from the University of Ghana Business School, described the challenge as an eye-opener.

“I’m glad that we’ve been given this platform to financially educate people at home and showcase what we learn in the classroom. We appreciate the Chartered Institute of Bankers Ghana for creating this opportunity and hope other institutions will follow suit,” he said.

The National Banking and Ethics Challenge serves as a platform for engaging students in critical financial issues while fostering a culture of ethics and professionalism in Ghana’s banking landscape.