The Managing Director of GCB Bank PLC (GCB), Mr. Kofi Adomakoh, has highlighted the contribution of his Bank and that of other private sector players to Ghana’s efforts to attain the 5-Ps of Sustainable Development, indicating that there must be closer collaboration to deliver benefits to all Ghanaians.

Mr. Adomakoh was speaking at the University of Ghana’s 76th Annual New Year School and Conference on the private sector’s contribution to the Conference theme; “Attaining the 5-Ps of Sustainable Development for a Resilient Ghana (People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, Partnership)”.

The GCB MD intimated that the private sector is committed to supporting the efforts of Government and cited GCB Bank as an example in its efforts to deliver ‘Prosperity’.

According to him, “we (GCB) are talking these challenges head-on by extending financial services to remote areas, empowering SMEs with accessible digital platforms, and championing financial inclusion initiatives that leave no Ghanaian behind. Transformation is only meaningful when it is inclusive and far-reaching, touching every corner of our nation. In countries like Kenya, the M-Pesa platform has become a lifeline for farmers and traders. Ghana can replicate this success by fostering an ecosystem where every citizen, regardless of geography, has access to financial tools that empower them”.

“True prosperity means that Ama, the trader, can scale her business through digital platforms, Kojo, the farmer, can access fair markets, and Zaynab, the seamstress, can save for her children’s future all because the systems we create work for every Ghanaian,” he added.

Speaking further, Mr. Adomakoh indicated GCB’s contribution in the area of ‘People’ with regards to the attainment of the Sustainable Goals.

He acknowledged that Ghana is a blessed with a vibrant youthful population with 57 percent under the age of 25 representing a wellspring of potential. He however added that, the untapped potential of the youth can easily become a liability which can significantly impact the country’s effort in achieving the SDG’s.

“At GCB Bank, we have taken steps to bridge this gap by partnering institutions like the University of Ghana to promote financial literacy and entrepreneurship training programs tailored to emerging sectors like fintech and agritech” he said.

The astute banker in his remarks called for closer collaboration between government and the private institutions to form public-private-partnerships to develop and expand various sectors of the economy including modernizing our transport networks, expanding renewable energy access like solar mini-grids to rural areas, promotion of initiatives like e-government services among others. According to him, by channelling global lessons into local solutions tailored to our unique needs, we can empower small businesses, attract investment and create opportunities that benefit all Ghanaians.

The Annual New Year School and Conference organised since 1948, is a major platform for academia, industry, policymakers and other stakeholders to deliberate on pertinent issues critical for national development.

In its 76-year journey, the conference has covered critical sectors such as education, health, agriculture, security and economy, and provided enormous knowledge to accelerate national development.

This 76th University of Ghana New Year School was chaired by Mrs. Mary Chinery-Hesse, Chancellor of the University of Ghana. In attendance was the Vice President of Ghana, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as the special Guest of Honour and Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana. Keynote speakers for the ceremony were Dr. Emmanuel Adu-Sarkodee, Group Chairman, CDH Financial Holdings Ltd and Mr. Santosh Choubey, Founder & Chairman of AISECT.

GCB Bank PLC is a leading player in Ghana’s banking industry, with 184 branches, 340 ATMs and a host of banking agents spread across the length and breadth of the country.

As Ghana’s premier indigenous bank, GCB Bank has, since its establishment in 1953, been described as a systemic bank with significant contribution to Ghana’s growth in multiple sectors including oil and gas, agriculture, commerce and others.

The Bank has transformed itself into one of Ghana’s most modern banks in terms of its financial intermediation capabilities including digital payment platforms and consequently strengthened its corporate reputation both at home and abroad. The Bank’s relationship with its stakeholders is delivered on a platform of trust, support and collaboration and anchored through its brand promise, “Your Bank for Life”.