GCB Bank PLC has officially launched Sheagles Soar, a groundbreaking women’s leadership development initiative designed to dismantle barriers, repair the “broken rung,” and create pathways for more women to rise into leadership within Ghana’s banking industry.

The Sheagles Soar initiative is anchored on a 3Ps framework – Professional, Personal, and Partnerships, offering holistic support to women at various stages of their leadership journey.

Speaking at the launch event, Managing Director of GCB Bank Plc, Farihan Alhassan, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to advancing women’s leadership.

“It is not about replacing men with women but about forging a leadership culture where everyone thrives and contributes fully."

Farihan Alhassan further emphasised the importance of the initiative, stating that it will go a long way in building competence and confidence in women within the banking and finance industry.

“This holistic program builds competence, confidence, and connectivity, equipping women to lead with authenticity, influence agendas, and leave a lasting legacy."

Peter Yao Bosrotsi, Manager of HR Business Partnering at GCB Bank PLC, highlighted the vision behind the initiative.

“Sheagles Soar is a sign of GCB's commitment to strengthening the leadership pipeline and creating equal opportunities for women to rise to the top. It is to reshape our culture to embrace inclusion, confidence, and influence."

The programme opened with a spoken word performance by Emmanuella Kuffour Banafo, Acting Lead, Talent Management, which set the tone for the evening.

A highlight was an interactive live coaching session led by Grace Krobo-Edusei, CEO of Grace Centre for Growth and Excellence, where participants engaged with practical strategies for leadership growth and navigating workplace dynamics.

The event climaxed with the unveiling of Sheagles Soar, marked by a special video and fireworks display, symbolising the Bank’s bold step toward transforming leadership culture.

This was followed by a symbolic signing of the HeForShe Pledge Book by Professor Joshua Alabi, Board Chairman of GCB Bank PLC, underscoring the importance of male allyship in driving inclusion.

In his remarks, Prof. Alabi reaffirmed the Board’s dedication to advancing women’s participation in executive leadership.

“At GCB Bank, we have drawn a clear programme of action to drive women’s inclusivity at the highest levels of our organisation,” he said.

“Our goal is to improve women’s representation on the Executive Committee by at least 30% by 2028. Initiatives like Sheagles Soar will be central to achieving this transformation.”

The Sheagles Soar initiative provides coaching circles, career development pathways, and allyship structures modelled after the UN’s HeForShe principle. It prepares women for progressive leadership roles:

• Supervisory Level – focusing on self-leadership, communication, and team coordination.
• Management Level – building strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and agility.
• Executive Level – honing vision-setting, enterprise leadership, and boardroom readiness.

Through this initiative, GCB Bank is cultivating a new generation of competent, confident, and connected women leaders who will influence not only the Bank but also families, communities, and industries.