Ecobank Ghana, a member of the leading pan-African banking group, officially inaugurated the Ecobank Retirees Association (ERA) on November 13, 2024, at a memorable ceremony held in Accra.

This historic event brought together retirees of the bank, senior executives, and distinguished guests to celebrate a new dawn of fellowship and mutual support for former employees who have been instrumental in building Ecobank into a household name in Ghana and across Africa.

The ERA, open to all individuals who have retired from Ecobank Ghana, seeks to foster a vibrant community among retirees while representing their interests and supporting the bank’s mission through mentorship, coaching, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Delivering the keynote address, Lady Bishop Patricia Sappor, President of the Ecobank Retirees Association, reflected on the significant contributions of retirees to the bank's legacy and expressed optimism for the association's future.

She stated,  "Today, we inaugurate not only an association but also a legacy, a testament to our resilience and unwavering commitment to excellence.

"The Ecobank Retirees Association stands as a beacon of fellowship and a platform to leverage our wealth of experience for the benefit of the bank, its people, and our communities."

Mrs Abena Osei-Poku, Managing Director of Ecobank Ghana, commended the initiative as a meaningful way to honour the contributions of retirees.

She remarked, "The inauguration of the ERA is a profound moment for all of us at Ecobank Ghana. This association exemplifies our commitment to lifelong relationships with our employees, even beyond their active working years.

"We remain dedicated to supporting the ERA in creating a vibrant, sustainable community for all our retirees."

Former Managing Directors of the bank, Mr Albert Essien, Mr Sam Ashitey Adjei, who also serves as the current Board Chairman of Ecobank Ghana PLC, and Mr Daniel Sackey, attended the event and shared their enthusiastic support for the association and its potentially transformative impact on retirees.

Mr. Albert Essien, a former Managing Director of the bank and past Group CEO of the Ecobank Group, remarked, "The strength of any institution lies in its people. I am excited to see this association take flight, and I trust it will become a cornerstone for maintaining the bonds we have built over the years."

Mr. Sam Ashitey Adjei, former Managing Director and current Board Chairman of the bank, added, "This initiative is a testament to Ecobank’s enduring values of care and support. I am confident the ERA will thrive as a platform for collaboration and continued impact."

Mr. Daniel Sackey, the Immediate Past Managing Director of Ecobank Ghana, also shared his reflections, emphasising the enduring relationship between the bank and its retirees. He noted, "The inauguration of the ERA marks a significant milestone in ensuring that the enormous contributions of our retirees are recognised and celebrated. This association indeed shows Ecobank’s culture of inclusivity and lifelong commitment to its people."

Goodwill messages were shared by senior leaders, underscoring the importance of the initiative. Mr. Daniel Richard Nortey Yebuah, President of the Standard Chartered Bank Retirees Association, spoke on strategies to enhance the ERA’s impact. He noted, "The success of a retirees’ association lies in its ability to serve as a strong support network. By fostering unity, creating value-added programs, and maintaining a close partnership with Ecobank, the ERA can set a benchmark for retiree associations across the country."

Mr. Nixon Amoah-Awuah, Head of Human Resources at Ecobank Ghana, affirmed the bank’s unwavering support for the ERA.

He stated, "The Ecobank Retirees Association is a laudable initiative that reflects our appreciation for the invaluable contributions of our retirees. The bank is fully committed to supporting this association to thrive, as it is an extension of the Ecobank family and legacy."

The ERA has already made significant strides, including the formal adoption of a constitution, onboarding over 80 members, and initiating discussions on medical support with external partners.

Plans are underway to strengthen partnerships with Ecobank Ghana through mentorship, training, and other collaborative programs.

With this inauguration, the ERA embarks on a journey of unity, service, and mutual support, ensuring that retirees remain an integral part of the Ecobank family.