Haruna Iddrisu swears in CIB Ghana Council, urges action on cybercrime

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu officially inaugurated the new Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Ghana (CIB Ghana). The nine members, including President Dr Ellen Ohene-Afoakwa, pledged their allegiance and confidentiality at the Ministry of Education in Accra, as per the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Ghana Act 991.

President John Dramani Mahama had conveyed his congratulations to the Minister. Iddrisu emphasized the urgent need for the Council to tackle cybercrime, digital banking fraud, and the growing threat of artificial intelligence within the banking sector. He urged the Council to enhance professional excellence, ethical standards, and respond to emerging challenges in the banking industry.

The Act grants the Institute the authority to regulate banking practices, set standards, administer examinations, and promote continuing professional development. Iddrisu called for heightened focus on non-performing loans, regulatory compliance, and sound corporate governance. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining ethical practices, accurate information provision, fraud prevention, confidentiality preservation, and the avoidance of discriminatory practices.

CIB Ghana President Dr Ohene-Afoakwa expressed gratitude to the President and the Minister for their trust. She stated that the Council's role extends beyond oversight to shaping the future of the banking profession in Ghana amid evolving technology and emerging risks. The Council aims to foster a profession that is future-ready, globally competitive, and committed to integrity, competence, and public trust.

Dr Ohene-Afoakwa announced that the Institute has integrated cybersecurity, virtual assets, data analytics, and green finance into its curriculum. Success for the Council would entail fewer fraud cases, ethical banking practices, and a workforce equipped to write sound credit and mitigate non-performing loans. CIB Ghana CEO Robert Dzato stated that continuing professional development is crucial for maintaining professional competence.

The Institute emphasizes leadership, soft, and digital skills, offering university-level banking and ethics programs and supporting financial literacy in secondary schools. CIB Ghana's 30th National Banking and Ethics Conference is scheduled for November 9-10, 2026, with the Minister confirmed as a speaker, alongside the Bank of Ghana Governor and the Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations Minister.