The Ghana Association of Banks (GAB) is the country’s mouthpiece and advocacy lead for the universal banking sector, currently representing the interests of 24 member institutions (including the ARB APEX Bank, which represents all Rural Banks). It is a notfor-profit organisation that was formed to protect the interest and aspirations of its members; and to provide a platform for bank-to-bank networking among members. At inception on May 29, 1980, there were seven universal banks in Ghana serving a population of approximately twelve million; our member banks have increased in number (currently at 24) mostly arising as a consequence of the economic liberalisation of the country in the late eighties; and partly in line with the economic expansion and population growth of the country. GAB supports and promotes policies and initiatives that balance the interest of member banks; customer population; and wider stakeholder targets. The Association acts as the connecting rod between its members and the industry regulator; the media, law and policy makers; Civil Society Organisations; other business organisations/associations and the wider community; and promotes good and continues business relationship among members. GAB also proposes and highlights programmes, initiatives and emerging best practices to member institutions; facilitates better understanding of developments in the country; and beyond our borders. Working with similar global bodies, GAB’s work is underpinned by three core priorities: • championing and shaping the interest of the industry; • helping customers; and • promoting growth, including supporting Ghana’s initiative as the financial gateway to the West African Sub-Region. We carry out research, analyse and disseminate information on issues affecting the banking industry’s performance and growth prospects. As the mouthpiece for our members, we deploy creative channels in communicating with our stakeholders; and act as thoughtleaders in our market and beyond. We invest in and support initiatives aimed at reducing risk factors affecting the industry; and influence policy discussions that create enabling business environment for our members and customers alike. We undertake self-introspection by conducting market surveillance to assess and evaluate the conduct of our members in the market in connection with compliance with banking laws, directives from the regulator, data protection and treating customers fairly, amongst others. Given the difference that knowledgeable and talented workforce can bring to bear on market performance, we assess people’s development as critical to the attainment of industry objectives. As a result, we encourage our member institutions to ensure their employees have access to continuous professional development. This is achieved by providing business-specific educational opportunities to member banks.

AB’s mission is to support the banking industry in developing best practices and standards; by advocating regulatory, financial and economic policies and reforms that are in the broad interest of its members; and foster stability in the financial services industry, thereby ultimately engendering national economic growth and prosperity. We aim to be the sole voice of banks in Ghana; deploying unified voice for universal banks in the country in the areas of legislations, economic and fiscal discussions, market conduct, financial stability, media interaction and community development initiatives.