Closing Remarks by Dr. Zakari Mumuni, First Deputy Governor at the Commemoration of 50 Years of Rural Banking and the Conversion to Community Banking
Source: bank_of_ghana
Date: 2026-07-20

COMMEMORATING 50 YEARS OF RURAL BANKING AND THE CONVERSION TO COMMUNITY BANKING CLOSING REMARKS BY DR ZAKARI MUMUNI FIRST DEPUTY GOVERNOR, BANK OF GHANA ACCRA | THURSDAY, 16 JULY 2026 The Chief Justice, Honourable Minister of Finance, Governor and Second Deputy Governor, Board of the Bank of Ghana, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen. Good morning. President John F. Kennedy once said, “We celebrate the past to awaken the future.” As we bring today’s programme to a close, I believe those words capture the significance of this occasion. Today, we have celebrated fifty years of Rural Banking in Ghana. More importantly, we have renewed our commitment to the future we are called to build. On behalf of the Bank of Ghana, permit me to express our sincere appreciation for your presence, your partnership, and your valuable contributions—not only to today’s event, but to the Rural Banking sector over the years. The story of Rural Banking — is one of Ghana’s greatest innovations in financial inclusion and local financial intermediation. Indeed, Ghana remains home to one of the largest and most vibrant Community Banking sectors on the African continent. At fifty, we can confidently say that this sector has come of age. There could hardly be a more appropriate moment — to undertake the transition from Rural Banking to Community Banking. This is more than a change of name. It is a renewal of purpose. A commitment to build on the lessons, the strengths, and the achievements of the past — while preparing our institutions for the opportunities ahead. Through these reforms, we seek to strengthen institutions, improve business models, and expand opportunities for communities across Ghana. Ladies and Gentlemen, The success of this journey has always been built on partnership. The World Bank Group, the International Monetary Fund, the African Development Bank, GIZ, and many other development partners — have walked this journey with us; through financial support, technical assistance, institutional capacity building, and policy development. Your contributions have been instrumental to the growth and transformation of this sector, and we look forward to an even stronger partnership in the years ahead. To our Community Banking fraternity, the future before you is full of opportunity. You have achieved much over the past fifty years. Today, you have been entrusted with greater scope, greater opportunity, and a broader mandate. And remember, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” Go back to your communities and make them your own. Support businesses. Support farmers. Support young entrepreneurs. Let your impact be seen in the lives of the people you serve. For our part, the Bank of Ghana remains fully committed to providing forward - looking regulation, and effective supervision to support your continued growth, resilience, and sustainability. Finally, to all Ghanaians, these are your community institutions. Know your Community Bank. Support your Community Bank. Help make it stronger. Because strong Community Banks build stronger communitie s, and stronger communities build a stronger Ghana. As we leave here today, let us remember that the next fifty years will not be defined simply by the institutions we inherit. They will be defined by the institutions we strengthen , the partnerships we deepen, and the lives we transform. So, may the next fifty years be even more impactful than the first. And for the future we owe the next generation, and with gratitude, hope, and responsibility, I thank you and wish you safe travels.