Pan-African banking giant Ecobank has reiterated its unwavering support for Ghana’s national development agenda, emphasising its readiness to deepen partnerships that promote sustainable growth and opportunity for all citizens.
The bank made this declaration in a statement posted on its official Facebook page as it welcomed the Ecobank Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Jeremy Awori, to Accra on an official visit.
Awori’s visit signals a renewed commitment by the Ecobank Group to Ghana’s recovery and growth and is expected to pave the way for enhanced collaboration between the banking sector and key government ministries in the months ahead.
Courtesy call on President Mahama
During his visit, Awori paid a courtesy call on President John Dramani Mahama.
According to the bank’s statement, the meeting provided an opportunity for the Ecobank Group to reaffirm its longstanding commitment to Ghana’s development journey.
Awori conveyed the collective goodwill of the Ecobank Group to the President and expressed appreciation for the ongoing collaboration between the bank and the government.
The bank emphasised its alignment with Ghana’s national priorities and its commitment to partnerships that advance inclusive economic progress.
Discussions with the Finance Minister
While in Accra, the Ecobank Group CEO also met with Ghana’s Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.
The Finance Minister briefed Awori on government efforts to manage legacy debt and improve public financial management.
Dr Forson disclosed that the Auditor-General is expected to submit an interim audit report in the coming days on outstanding contractor claims.
This report will form the basis for the commencement of payments by the government.
The Minister revealed that the current administration inherited contractor arrears amounting to GH¢67 billion.
As part of its fiscal responsibility plan, the government has committed to auditing and settling these obligations over four years. In line with this, GH¢13 billion has been earmarked in the 2025 budget to begin clearing the verified arrears.
Dr Forson further underscored the government’s resolve to avoid the accumulation of new arrears.
He referenced recent amendments to the Public Financial Management Act, which are designed to introduce greater discipline and transparency in public procurement and contract management processes.
Focus on the private sector and agriculture
The Finance Minister encouraged Ecobank, which is Ghana’s largest financial institution, to deepen its involvement in the country’s economic recovery, particularly in boosting private sector activity and supporting the agricultural value chain.
In response, Awori reaffirmed the bank’s strong interest in contributing to Ghana’s economic revitalisation.
He noted that Ecobank is ready to scale up lending and strategic cooperation with the government in key sectors.
Support for green transition
The meeting between Awori and the Finance Minister was also attended by Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor.
His presence underscored the government’s push for sustainable energy development and environmental stewardship as part of its broader economic transformation strategy.
