Opportunity International Savings and Loans Ltd. (OISL), one of Ghana’s leading savings and loans companies, has hosted the Africa Chapter Meeting of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), bringing together financial leaders from across the continent to advance discussions on inclusive and sustainable banking.
The two-day meeting, held on 18th and 19th September at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, assembled banking executives, financial service providers and stakeholders to deliberate on how values-driven finance can contribute to long-term social, economic, and environmental transformation.
The GABV is a global network of independent banks committed to using finance as a tool for sustainable impact. Its African Chapter comprises seven banks and financial institutions from five countries, with OISL being the only member institution from Ghana.
The event was attended by key dignitaries including Mr Ismail Adam, Head of Banking Supervision at the Bank of Ghana, who represented the Governor as Special Guest of Honour; Ms Alberta Quarcoopome, Board Chairperson of OISL and Chairperson of the event; Mr Martin Rohner, Executive Director of GABV; Mr Fabian Kassi, Managing Director of Centenary Bank in Uganda and Chairman of the Africa Chapter; Mr Kwame Owusu-Boateng, CEO of OISL; other OISL board members; as well as representatives from the Ghana Association of Savings and Loans Companies, Ghana Microfinance Institutions Network, Development Bank Ghana, Turaco, and other financial bodies.
Speaking at the event, Mr Adam stressed the importance of the banking sector in driving inclusive growth. “Financial institutions should adopt inclusive, community-driven strategies that prioritise long-term impact over short-term gains. This includes investing in financial literacy, leveraging technology, forming strategic partnerships like Opportunity International Savings and Loans Ltd. is doing with GABV, and embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into core policies,” he said.
Mr Rohner, Executive Director of GABV, underscored the responsible use of technology within the industry, urging financial institutions to “deploy artificial intelligence (AI) ethically to support the provision of financial services.”
Mr Kassi of Centenary Bank called for a stronger balance between profit and social good. He said the banking industry must “focus on sustainable solutions that directly improve the lives of customers.”
Mr Owusu-Boateng, CEO of OISL, highlighted the importance of credibility and ethics in the financial sector, noting that “adhering to strong ethics and banking standards” was key to sustaining customer trust.
Closing the event, Ms Quarcoopome urged other institutions to adopt values-based approaches. She challenged the sector to “demonstrate greater responsibility in the delivery of financial services and to join hands in championing the values and principles of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values.”