By: Ewurabena Paha
The Association of Rural Banks Ghana has honoured three of its past board chairmen during the banks 2023 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in Accra.
The three are Dr. Sam Dufu, who chaired from 2007 to 2009.
Francis Akoto from 2013 to 2015 and James Kwame Otieku, who steered the affairs of the bank from 2016 to 2019.
Managing Director of APEX Bank Alex Kwesi Awuah said the success story of the bank cannot be told without acknowledging the contributions of the three.
He said the honour is in the right direction because management takes inspiration from the legacies left by the three, and that is why the bank continues to make strides in the rural banking sector.
The managing director said 2023 has been a challenging yet fulfilling year for the banking industry. Mr Kwesi Awuah said 2024 will be good because the economy is beginning to regain its strength.
The lessons were taken by the Risk and Compliance, ICT, Human Capital, Audit and Inspection, Banking Operation, and Finance Departments of the bank.
The ninth was taken from John 1-1 to 14 and was read by Mr Kwasi Awauh. The sermon, which was delivered by the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church Ghana, Rt. Rev. Dr Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye focused on Christmas and its significance to peace, love, and compassion.
Rt Rev Opare Kwakye said the world is troubled, and so people are carrying burdens hidden behind smiles. It is for this reason why Christmas must be a period to show love to one another despite religious affiliations.
He said it is sad that the war between Israel and Palestine has stopped the celebration of Christmas in Bethlehem, the birth place of Jesus the saviour.
He asked, all especially world leaders, to respect each others rights and opinions so that peace can reign in the world. Intercessory prayers were said for the growth of the bank, its leaders, staff, and Ghana as a whole.
Staff later danced to Christmas tunes while treating themselves with good food and drinks. The theme for the 2023 ARB APEX BANK Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols was a saviour for a dying world.
