Community Banks’ directors and CEOs sharpen skills in corporate governance

Solomon Amankwa, Executive Director, Association of Community Banks, Ghana.

 The Association of Community Banks (ACB) –, in Ghana has officially opened its 2026 Corporate Governance Certification Training Programme, a landmark initiative designed to equip Board Members and Chief Executive Officers with the skills and insights needed to steer their institutions through Ghana’s evolving financial landscape.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Solomon Amankwa, Executive Director of the Association of Community Banks, Ghana, underscored the critical role governance plays in safeguarding the resilience of community banks.

He noted that in today’s highly regulated environment, stakeholders expect boards and management to demonstrate accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership. “Strong corporate governance not only enhances institutional stability but also reinforces public confidence, safeguards depositors’ funds, and contributes meaningfully to financial sector development,” he emphasized.

Raising the Bar for Leadership

The training programme, organised in collaboration with ARB Apex Bank Plc, is tailored to deepen participants’ understanding of governance principles and emerging issues affecting community banks.

Over the course of the sessions, directors and CEOs explored topics including corporate governance best practices, roles and responsibilities of directors, risk management and board oversight, prudential regulations and compliance, financial oversight, strategic decision‑making, and the implementation of Ghana’s new microfinance policy framework.

According to Mr Amankwa, the initiative reflects the Association’s commitment to continuous learning and capacity building. “The decisions taken at the Board level today will significantly influence the sustainability, resilience, and growth of our institutions in the future. It is therefore essential that we remain committed to the adoption of best governance practices,” he said.

Aligning with Regulatory Standards

The programme comes at a time when the Bank of Ghana has intensified its focus on governance within the financial sector. Through its Corporate Governance Directive (2021) and the Banks and Specialized Deposit‑Taking Institutions Act, 2016 (Act 930), the central bank has set clear expectations for directors to be adequately equipped with the knowledge and competencies required to discharge their fiduciary responsibilities.

Industry observers note that community banks, which serve as critical financial intermediaries in rural and peri‑urban areas, face unique challenges in balancing growth with compliance. By aligning training with regulatory frameworks, ACB aims to ensure that directors are not only compliant but also proactive in strengthening governance systems.

Practical Insights from Experts

The Association expressed appreciation to facilitators and partner institutions accredited by the Bank of Ghana who are leading the sessions. Their expertise, drawn from years of practical experience in the sector, is expected to provide participants with actionable insights that can be applied directly within their institutions.

Mr. Amankwa encouraged attendees to actively engage in discussions, share experiences, and ask questions. “The success of this programme will depend not only on the quality of facilitation but also on the active participation and contributions of all attendees,” he remarked.

Building Confidence in Community Banking

Community banks play a vital role in promoting financial inclusion, particularly in underserved areas. By strengthening governance, the sector aims to build greater confidence among depositors and investors, while positioning itself to contribute more robustly to Ghana’s economic development.

Analysts believe that the certification programme will help address recurring governance gaps that have historically undermined smaller financial institutions.

With directors and CEOs better equipped to oversee risk, compliance, and strategic growth, community banks are expected to emerge stronger and more resilient.

Looking Ahead

The opening of the programme marked a significant step in ACB’s broader agenda to elevate standards across the sector. As  the Executive Director formally declared the training open, he reiterated the Association’s commitment to promoting a culture of accountability, compliance, and strategic leadership.

With Ghana’s financial sector undergoing rapid transformation, the Corporate Governance Certification Programme is poised to become a cornerstone of institutional strengthening, ensuring that community banks remain safe, sound, and sustainable in the years ahead.

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