Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Ghana’s Minister for Finance, has been elected Chairman of the Board of Governors for the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), a key regional institution driving infrastructure, energy, and economic growth across West Africa.
The announcement was made at the bank’s 23rd Annual General Meeting in Banjul, Gambia. Though Dr. Forson was unable to attend in person, his message was delivered by Ghana’s Deputy Finance Minister, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, who conveyed Forson’s gratitude and a bold vision for EBID’s future.
“To my fellow Governors, thank you for the trust you have placed in Ghana’s leadership,” Forson’s statement read. “With your continued support, we’ll build something transformative.”
A Vision Rooted in Strategy and Partnership
In his address, Dr. Forson laid out four priority areas he plans to tackle as chair:
- Boosting Resource Mobilization to fund more ambitious regional development programs.
- Improving Capital Recovery through better asset management and operational streamlining.
- Attracting Non-Regional Membership to broaden EBID’s partnerships and investment sources.
- Positioning EBID as the top development bank not just in West Africa, but across the continent.
Forson also emphasized that the region’s challenges—from economic shocks to infrastructure deficits—are also opportunities for innovation and collective action. “This is a moment to reimagine what’s possible for West Africa,” his speech noted.
A New Era for EBID
The leadership handover marks a significant moment for EBID. Outgoing Chair Hon. Seedy Keita reflected on the bank’s achievements and pledged full support to Forson, expressing confidence that the new leadership would take the institution to even greater heights.
Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, EBID’s President, was also recognized for his continued efforts in shaping the bank into a central engine for economic development within ECOWAS.
Why It Matters
The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development isn’t just another institution—it’s a financial backbone for 15 West African nations, funding major projects in sectors like energy, infrastructure, finance, and logistics. Headquartered in Lomé, Togo, the bank has already committed over $408 million to Ghana alone, backing projects like Tema LNG Terminal, Access Bank Ghana, and the Marriott Hotel.
As West Africa navigates complex economic terrain, Forson’s appointment places Ghana in a pivotal leadership role—one with the potential to influence billions in investments and shape the future of the region.
And for Forson, it’s more than just a title. It’s a mandate to lead with vision, accountability, and purpose.
Source:TheDotNews