The Chartered Institute of Credit Management (CICM) is backing the Bank of Ghana’s microfinance sector reforms ahead of the New Year Debt Recovery School which comes off between January and February 2026.

According to its president, Evelyn Osei-Tutu, CICM Ghana is committed to leading transformative initiatives that will strengthen our credit ecosystem and enhance professional standards across the industry.

“I am pleased to reaffirm CICM's full backing of the Bank of Ghana's Microfinance Sector Reform initiative. This critical initiative addresses governance lapses, poor risk management, weak capitalisation and regulatory arbitrage that have undermined confidence in microfinance institutions”, she mentioned in her new year message.

She expressed optimism about 2026, with renewed hope, purpose, and determination, saying, this year marks a defining moment for our profession and Ghana's financial sector.

She explained that microfinance institutions remain vital to financial inclusion, serving millions of Ghanaians who depend on accessible credit for their livelihoods, noting that, the success of these reforms will restore stability, rebuild trust, and ensure these institutions fulfill their essential role in empowering communities and driving economic growth.

As credit management professionals, Mrs. Osei-Tutu said, CICM bring invaluable expertise to this reform agenda.

Therefore, CICM commits to:

• Providing technical support and policy recommendations
• Training financial personnel in best practices
• Promoting ethical credit and recovery standards
• Collaborating with regulators to ensure sustainable implementation

Together with the Bank of Ghana and sector stakeholders, she said “we will work tirelessly to create a microfinance sector that is robust, trustworthy, and truly serves the Ghanaian people”.

New Year Debt Recovery School Comes Off January-February 2026

Mr.s Osei Tutu also announced the CICM flagship New Year Debt Recovery School, coming off between January and February 2026.

According to her, this comprehensive training programme comes at a crucial time when economic pressures, rising default rates, and evolving regulations demand highly skilled debt recovery professionals.

The programme will equip Credit and Recovery Team and other officers with the use of AI, application of Pareto principles in recovery (80/20) rules and related tools to tackle rising non-performing loans and strengthen credit recovery strategies and offers cutting-edge knowledge.

“I encourage all members, Snr Credit Managers, Credit Officers, Recovery Officer and Supervisors, Relationship Officers and Credit Administration Staff, and Financial Professionals to take advantage of this transformative opportunity”.

Building Excellence Together

As CICM navigate 2026, she assured that CICM remains committed to:

• Advancing professional standards in credit management
• Advocating for policies that promote sector stability
• Providing world-class training and certification programs
• Fostering a community of ethical, competent practitioners

“To our members: Engage actively with our programs, uphold the highest professional standards, and champion excellence in your institutions”, she advised.

“To financial institutions: Partner with us to build capacity and strengthen your credit operations”, she urged.

“To all stakeholders: Let us collaborate to create a financial ecosystem where institutions thrive, customers are protected, and Ghana's economy prospers”, she appealed.

“The challenges before us are significant, but so are the opportunities. With commitment, collaboration, and professional excellence, we will make 2026 a landmark year for credit management in Ghana”, she mentioned.

“I look forward to working with each of you as we write this exciting new chapter together”, she concluded.