The Finance for Development Lab (FDL) in its recent publication, has announced the appointment of former First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Maxwell Opoku-Afari, as a Non-Resident Fellow.

Dr. Opoku-Afari is a distinguished economist with nearly three decades of experience in central banking and international finance.

He brings deep expertise in monetary policy, financial inclusion, digital finance, and economic development.

“His insights will significantly enhance its mission to promote inclusive and sustainable growth across Africa and beyond. This strategic appointment underscores FDL’s commitment to advancing high-impact economic research and strengthening partnerships focused on Ghana and other developing economies”, the FDL said.

In reaction, Dr. Opoku-Afari said “I am honoured to join this great and reputable institution with accomplished and distinguished professionals. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues to contribute to the vital work of promoting shared and sustainable growth and development through thoughtful research and dialogue.”

Over the next six months, Dr. Opoku-Afari will oversee two major research studies and actively contribute to FDL’s events, seminars, and research initiatives. He will also play a leading role in shaping strategic directions and fostering collaboration among central banks, private sector institutions, and international organisations. The Lab will provide support through research assistance, access to data, and logistical resources, including plans to host a major debt conference in Africa next year.

Executive Director of the Finance for Development Lab, Martin Kessler, added that, “We are honoured to welcome Dr. Maxwell Opoku-Afari to our team. His extensive background in central banking and international finance will be a tremendous asset as we continue to foster sustainable development across Africa and beyond.”

Dr. Opoku-Afari’s Profile

Dr. Opoku-Afari’s distinguished career includes leadership roles at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Bank of Ghana, where he served as First Deputy Governor from August 2017 to February 2025. During his tenure, he provided oversight for Economic Policy, Payments Systems and FinTech, Research and Capacity Development, Currency Management, and Risk Management, among other functions. He also co-chaired the Government’s Economic Policy Coordinating Committee and served on numerous boards and committees.

Dr. Opoku-Afari holds a B.A. (Economics and Statistics) and MPhil (Economics) from the University of Ghana, Legon, and a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Nottingham, UK. He is a Fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (FGA), an Honorary Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIB) and the Institute of Directors, Ghana (IoD), and currently chairs the Advisory Board of the College of Humanities at the University of Ghana.