Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has been elected Chairman of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) Board of Governors.
The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) serves isnancial engine of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which comprises 15 member countries. Originally established in 1975 as the ECOWAS Fund, the institution was restructured in 2007 into a single-window facility serving both public the and private sectors.
With headquarters in Lomé, Togo, EBID supports regional integration and sustainable economic development.
The announcement of Dr Ato Forson’s latest appointment was made during the bank’s 23rd Annual General Meeting held in Banjul, Gambia.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem, the Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam MP expressed deep gratitude for the trust reposed in Ghana and reaffirmed the country’s strong commitment to EBID’s vision.
“To my fellow Governors, thank you for the trust you have placed in Ghana’s leadership. I will continue to rely on your support and collaboration in the year ahead,” he stated.
Dr. Forson outlined a bold strategic agenda aimed at boosting EBID’s effectiveness and regional relevance. His vision is anchored on four main pillars:
- Enhancing resource mobilization to better fund regional development;
- Strengthening capital recovery through improved asset management and operational efficiency;
- Opening up the Bank to non-regional members to expand its investment base;
- Positioning EBID as West Africa’s premier development finance institution.
Acknowledging the region’s current challenges, Dr Forson said with collective effort, EBID can become a key driver of sustainable growth and economic integration across the sub-region.
He also lauded EBID President Dr. George Agyekum Donkor and his team for their continued dedication to the Bank’s mission.
Outgoing Chairman, Hon. Seedy Keita, expressed gratitude for his time in office and pledged his support to Dr. Forson.
He stressed EBID’s critical role in the ECOWAS region and expressed confidence in its future under new leadership.
Ghana remains one of the Bank’s key partners, with EBID’s total investment in the country amounting to approximately $408 million, spread across 24 active projects in sectors such as finance, energy, and infrastructure. These include collaborations with Consolidated Bank Ghana, Access Bank Ghana PLC, the Tema LNG Terminal, and the Marriott Hotel.
Source: fmnewsonline.com