Category: Daily Guide Network

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has received a major boost after FIFA agreed to construct two new world-class Astro turf pitches at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.

The commitment followed a high-level meeting in Rabat, Morocco, between GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku and the FIFA Development Committee.

It marks a significant step in the drive to turn the technical centre into a world-class football development hub.

Under the agreement, both pitches will be built to the highest standards of the global governing body. One will have a high-level floodlighting system, allowing training and matches to continue into the night, while the other will be built without floodlights.

Once the project is complete, the centre will have four Astro turf pitches, alongside two new natural grass pitches that are nearing completion.

FIFA will take full responsibility for the entire process, overseeing every stage from design and tendering through to construction and final handover to the GFA.

The approach is expected to ensure the facilities meet FIFA standards, with quality, technical excellence and long-term sustainability at the core.

The floodlit pitch in particular will give the centre greater flexibility, creating opportunities for night sessions and making fuller use of the facility.

The project represents an investment in young footballers and the future of Ghanaian football, as the GFA works toward a stronger and more competitive football ecosystem.

For the first time in the history of diplomacy in this country, one of the dominant political parties has been compelled to write to a foreign mission about ‘diplomatic and service passports for sale’ and to demand a suspension of courtesies entailed thereof until an audit is undertaken.

In the past few weeks, the story about diplomatic and service passports for sale landed on social media, adding to the visa scandal which swatted our national image earlier.

Followers of social media read the emerging story with glee even as they expected a convincing denial from the appropriate quarters to no avail.

Perhaps the emerging scandals to afflict the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of late, overwhelming as they are, have made it impossible for the appropriate response.

The Minister is busy nursing the wounds inflicted on him by the disturbing scandals.

On the other hand, it could be that there is nothing to deny about a damning reality.

World Cup visa, South African evacuation and diplomatic passports sale scandals are anomalies which do not present our country in good light in whichever direction we look at them.

Is this government under a spell for which reason it is engaging in inappropriate practices which under normal circumstances it should steer clear of?

In the correspondence of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to the US Embassy, the largest opposition party pointed at the unusual acquisition of the security travel documents and the need for immediate action.

Until a probe is ordered into the anomaly which would never take place anyway, we can conclude foreign suspicious characters have managed to ‘buy’ the passports.

Under the circumstances, inappropriate channels are in operation for the acquisition of the special travel documents, something which cannot be done without the connivance of persons closely associated with the corridors of power.

Such criminal means of obtaining diplomatic passports is another pointer to the bad and criminal conduct of government appointees.

Names have been mentioned, one of whose alleged relationship with the President calls for an immediate interrogation to establish the truth or otherwise.

We can bet though that with a crocodile-skinned President, such a probe, necessary as it is, won’t come on.

Names have been presented for the passports of persons who do not hold the positions assigned to them. In other anomalous instances, persons have been presented as belonging to agencies when the truth is that these persons are unknown to the staff of the agencies.

Non-existent positions have been created and assigned non-staff applicants for the diplomatic passports.

It would not be long before drug barons, some of whom are already operating here, would lay hands on diplomatic and service passports, if they have not done so already.

That this happening at a time when we have a major unresolved cocaine scandal on our hands says a lot about how governance has degenerated in the hands of those at the helm today.

Carlos Alcaraz powered to a straight-set win over Alex de Minaur to win the Vienna Open and maintain his perfect record in ATP 500 events this year.

The Spanish second seed triumphed 6-1 6-4 in 87 minutes for his 16th straight win at that level in 2026.

Alcaraz has won 26 straight matches at ATP 500 events – a run that goes back to the 2025 Barcelona Open, where he lost to Holger Rune.

The 23-year-old’s run this year includes titles in Doha and Tokyo.

‘I tried to be aggressive and show him that if he wants to win, he has to play better, more aggressive, more solid, and be smarter than me,’ said Alcaraz.

‘I’m just really happy that at the end I found my way, played great, and obviously it has been a really emotional and amazing week for me.’

Alcaraz started the match strongly, with his groundstrokes causing De Minaur problems.

De Minaur took five of the seven games in the first set to deuce, but it was Alcaraz’s quality at key moments that made the difference as he secured three breaks of serve.

Alcaraz continued to apply pressure in the second set, and while De Minaur’s trademark defence helped the 27-year-old Australian save three break points, he could not fend off championship point.

After a gripping rally, Alcaraz whipped a forehand winner across court to seal victory, before raising both arms in celebration.

The win was Alcaraz’s seventh against De Minaur, maintaining his perfect head-to-head record.

The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) has declared an indefinite nationwide strike beginning today, November 2, 2026, over the government’s failure to approve the proposed 2026 salary review for staff of the Judicial Service.

The strike, announced in a statement dated October 30 and signed by the Association’s General Secretary, Abdulai Yakubu, will remain in force until the government approves the revised salaries and pays them in November, together with all outstanding arrears from January to October 2026.

JUSAG said the decision followed months of unsuccessful attempts to secure approval for the salary review, which it maintains is required under Article 149 of the 1992 Constitution and Regulation 25 of the Judicial Service (Terms and Conditions of Service) Regulations, 2026 (C.I. 141).

Meanwhile, the Judicial Service has appealed to members of JUSAG to return to work while negotiations continue, assuring them that their concerns are being treated with the seriousness they deserved.

The Service, in a public notice, said it is fully aware of the anxiety the industrial action may cause to persons with matters pending before the courts.

‘Management is currently engaged in urgent and active discussions with the relevant Government stakeholders with a view to achieving a swift and amicable resolution of the underlying issues,’ the notice said.

It further note that the Judicial Service remains resolute in its commitment to upholding the rule of law and serving the public interest, adding that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide timely updates to the public as developments unfold.

Indefinite Strike

The Association said it submitted proposals for the 2026 salary review to the Judicial Council in December 2025. After delays in the process, it subsequently wrote to the Council to expedite its work.

The Judicial Council eventually completed its deliberations and submitted its recommendations to the President for approval.

However, JUSAG said approval from the Office of the President had not been forthcoming despite repeated reminders and appeals. It said the appeals had been heard but had not resulted in any action.

The Association said it had notified the National Labour Commission (NLC) of its intention to embark on an indefinite strike on October 23, giving government and other relevant stakeholders advance notice of the impending action.

However, it expressed disappointment with the response of the labour authorities, particularly the NLC’s decision to direct the parties to report on November 6, four days after the planned commencement of the strike.

JUSAG also criticised the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment for scheduling a meeting with the parties for November 3, a day after the industrial action was expected to begin.

The Association further faulted the Ministry of Finance over a proposal to pay the salary arrears in three instalments without specifying clear timelines.

It said the proposal was issued without consultation with JUSAG, which it described as the principal representative of the affected workers.

JUSAG maintained that the government’s handling of the matter demonstrated a lack of commitment to the welfare of employees of the Judicial Service, whose work keeps the courts operational.

Under the strike directive, all staff of the Judicial Service have been instructed not to report for work from today, Monday, November 2, until the Association’s demands are met.

The Association, however, directed security personnel to remain at their posts to safeguard Judicial Service properties.

Drivers have also been instructed to hand over official vehicles to the Transport Department and refrain from driving official vehicles, judicial officers or judges for the duration of the strike.

Additionally, registrars have been directed not to open, or be compelled to open, any court or registry for official use during the industrial action.

Comedian, Michael Blackson, rapper Sarkodie and American music star, Cardi B, are among celebrities who have reacted to the killing of 15-year-old Ghanaian student Javits Frimpong in the Bronx, New York, expressing grief and raising concerns about bullying and youth violence.

Cardi B, who grew up in the Bronx, condemned the treatment of immigrant children in New York schools, saying newcomers were often bullied by their peers.

‘Everybody be bullying the new kids that come from foreign countries, that be coming from Africa or from DR (Dominican Republic). Everybody bullies them, even their own kind,’ she said during an Instagram Live session.

The rapper, who questioned what could drive young people to take another person’s life, also linked bullying to gang involvement, drawing from her own childhood experiences.

‘What does bullying make you do? That makes you want to join a gang,’ she said, adding that she would never raise her children in the Bronx or enroll them in a New York public school.

Michael Blackson, meanwhile, said Javits’ death brought back painful memories of his experience as a young African immigrant in Newark, New Jersey, where he was bullied and once punched because of his good grades.

‘This story broke my heart this morning. I remember being that age my first time in America when I lived in Newark NJ, I was bullied and once punched in the face because I had good grades,’ he wrote.

The comedian, who said the teenager reminded him of himself, added: ‘This 15-year-old kid couldn’t wait to come to America and now a year later he’s dead. This has to stop.’

He announced plans to visit high schools to speak to foreign-born students about dealing with bullying.

Sarkodie also expressed concern about the values being instilled in young people, calling on parents to take greater responsibility.

‘I honestly don’t know what kind of upbringing shapes children to become so evil. I think some of my fellow Black brothers and sisters out there need to do better when it comes to raising their children and instilling the right values in them,’ he wrote.

The rapper added, ‘It’s very unfortunate that we had to lose Javits this way. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.’

Bronx rapper, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, also honoured Javits during a concert at UBS Arena in New York, asking the audience to observe a moment of silence.

‘He just came here from Africa to America about a year ago, and he passed away due to a gunshot wound. So let’s give a moment of silence to him,’ he told the audience.

Javits was shot shortly before 9.30am on Thursday, October 29, near East 171st Street in the Claremont area of the Bronx while on his way to school. He later died at the hospital.

He moved from Ghana to the United States a year ago to join his father, Thomas Frimpong, and attended DreamYard Preparatory School.

His father said the teenager had previously complained of bullying at school and reported incidents involving other students. However, police have not confirmed whether bullying was connected to the shooting.

Authorities are searching for three teenage suspects aged between 16 and 18, who were last seen wearing black clothing and blue surgical masks.

Ghana Bauxite Company Limited (GBC), Awaso has taken a major step towards transforming its mining operations after appointing Ecobank Ghana PLC as the exclusive mandated arranger for financing facilities of up to US$250 million to support its expansion programme.

The development marks an important milestone in the company’s efforts to modernise its Awaso bauxite mine, increase production capacity and improve the infrastructure required to support long-term growth.

The financing arrangement between Ghana Bauxite Company, Awaso and Ecobank Ghana PLC, held in Accra on October 28, 2026, provides a framework for mobilising the resources needed to invest in mining equipment, haulage systems, materials handling and other essential infrastructure. It also supports working capital requirements as the company prepares to expand its operations.

The facilities comprise a term loan and a revolving credit facility, with Ecobank Ghana responsible for structuring the financing, engaging prospective financial institutions and coordinating the syndication process.

Although the appointment establishes the financing arrangement, the full US$250 million should not be understood as cash already disbursed to the company. The actual amount raised and the final terms depend on the outcome of the financing process.

Nevertheless, the development signals a clear commitment to strengthening GBC’s operational capacity and positioning the company for a more ambitious phase of industrial growth.

Beyond the immediate investment in mining, the initiative carries broader implications for Ghana’s economy, particularly efforts to expand local mineral processing, create employment and retain more value from the country’s natural resources.

Modernising Awaso for Increased Production

Mining is capital-intensive, requiring reliable equipment, efficient transport systems and infrastructure capable of supporting production at scale. For a bauxite operation, the ability to move ore from the mine to processing and export points is particularly important.

GBC’s proposed investment is intended to address these operational requirements by improving equipment availability, haulage capacity and materials handling. The company also expects the financing to provide working capital to support its day-to-day activities.

These investments could help improve operational efficiency, support higher production and strengthen the mine’s competitiveness in international markets.

The financing initiative follows a period of investment in equipment and workforce expansion under the company’s majority shareholder, IOP Group.

According to company figures, GBC has acquired 56 pieces of equipment and 198 trucks, including Sino, RDT, TX 400 dump trucks and Howo 371 vehicles.

The company has also reported a substantial increase in its contract workforce, from 465 to 1,061 workers. Of the reported total, 976 are male and 85 female.

The figures point to an expansion in the operational resources available to the mine, although the long-term impact will depend on how effectively the additional equipment, personnel and proposed financing are deployed.

An investment push under IOP Group

IOP Group acquired approximately 80 per cent of Ghana Bauxite Company in 2022, establishing itself as the majority shareholder and placing the mine at the centre of its industrial ambitions.

Isaac Ofori Poku, chairman of IOP Group and Executive Chairman of GBC, says the company’s objective is to transform the mine into a modern and globally competitive operation.

‘Our ambition is to transform Ghana Bauxite Company into a modern, efficient and globally competitive mining enterprise. We have established the operational foundation and are now taking the necessary steps to support the next phase of growth,’ he said.

The proposed financing arrangement with Ecobank, he added, forms part of the broader plan to build the financial capacity required to deliver that transformation.

‘Our engagement with Ecobank marks an important milestone in building the financial framework required to execute that ambition.

Beyond expanding production, we are developing the industrial platform that can support Ghana’s broader aspirations in beneficiation, alumina refining and value addition,’ Mr. Ofori Poku said.

His comments place the financing initiative within a wider conversation about how Ghana can retain more value from its mineral resources rather than relying predominantly on the export of raw materials.

From bauxite exports to value addition

Ghana has long sought to deepen its mineral-processing capacity and create stronger links between natural-resource extraction and domestic industry. Bauxite presents an opportunity, but also a significant challenge.

The ore is an essential raw material in the production of alumina, which is then used to manufacture aluminium. Developing a domestic processing chain could create opportunities for industrial investment, skilled employment and supporting businesses.

GBC has reported exporting a record 1.7 million metric tonnes of bauxite in 2024 to China and other markets. That performance demonstrates the scale of the company’s export activity and the potential importance of the Awaso operation to Ghana’s mineral trade.

However, higher exports alone do not guarantee that the country will capture the full economic benefits of its bauxite resources. The broader question is whether mining growth can be connected to local processing, industrial development and more extensive participation by Ghanaian businesses.

GBC’s longer-term ambition includes supporting Ghana’s aspirations for beneficiation and alumina refining. Such ambitions, however, remain distinct from the current financing mandate. The appointment of Ecobank does not, by itself, confirm that an alumina refinery has been approved, financed or scheduled for construction.

A refinery would require substantial additional investment and careful assessment of electricity supply, infrastructure, technology, market demand and long-term commercial viability.

The proposed financing could strengthen the mining operation that supplies the raw material, but moving into large-scale processing would involve further decisions and investment commitments.

Jobs and opportunities for local businesses

The expansion of a mining operation can have effects beyond the mine itself. Increased production and investment may generate demand for transport services, equipment maintenance, engineering, catering, logistics and other support activities.

For businesses in and around Awaso, a stronger operation could create opportunities to supply goods and services, while workforce growth could support household incomes and economic activity in nearby communities.

GBC’s reported increase in contract workers provides an indication of the employment associated with its operations. The composition of that workforce also highlights the importance of ensuring that opportunities are accessible to a broad section of the population, including women.

The next challenge will be to translate operational expansion into sustainable employment, skills development and stronger participation by local suppliers.

That will require more than purchasing equipment or increasing output. It will depend on the quality of jobs created, the training available to workers and the extent to which Ghanaian businesses can compete for contracts linked to the mine’s activities.

Balancing growth with responsibility

Mining expansion also brings responsibilities. As operations grow, environmental management, worker safety and engagement with host communities become increasingly important.

The long-term value of the Awaso mine will therefore depend not only on its production figures and financial performance, but also on how effectively the company manages its environmental and social obligations.

Responsible operations can help protect local livelihoods, reduce avoidable environmental damage and build confidence among communities affected by mining activities.

These considerations are particularly relevant if the company’s ambitions eventually extend towards more extensive industrial processing, which would introduce additional infrastructure and environmental requirements.

What comes next?

The appointment of Ecobank Ghana as exclusive mandated arranger marks a significant development in GBC’s plans to finance its next phase of growth. It creates a framework for pursuing funding of up to US$250 million, but the final amount, terms and disbursement remain subject to the financing process.

For GBC, the immediate task is to secure suitable financing and convert it into measurable improvements in equipment, infrastructure, production and operational efficiency.

For IOP Group, the challenge is to demonstrate that its investment can deliver a commercially sustainable mining operation while contributing to Ghana’s wider industrial ambitions.

And for Ghana, the broader opportunity is to use the development of Awaso as part of a more ambitious approach to natural resources-one that combines competitive mining with employment, local enterprise and, where commercially feasible, domestic value addition.

The financing mandate is an important step, but not the final destination. Its significance will ultimately be judged by what it enables GBC to achieve on the ground and whether the growth of the mine can translate into lasting economic benefits for the country.

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has embarked on an operation to remove chanfang machines from the River Offin and disrupt illegal mining activities, also called ‘galamsey’, that directly affect the river and its banks.

The operation, codenamed ‘Water Shield’, was supported by the Ghana Navy Special Boat Squadron (SBS) and other security elements.

During the latest riverine patrol from Bedaabour to Beposo, the task force raided six illegal mining sites near the riverbanks and destroyed equipment found there.

Four floating chanfang platforms operating directly on the river were also destroyed.

The patrol team observed approximately 45 additional floating chanfang platforms abandoned along the route.

The chanfang machines, pumps, and other associated equipment were removed from the platforms before the task force arrived, suggesting operators vacated the river ahead of the sustained security presence.

According to a statement issued by NAIMOS, within just four days of sustained operations, illegal miners appear to be withdrawing equipment from sections of the River Offin.

NAIMOS assessed that awareness of the riverine force’s continued presence, particularly the SBS patrol capability, may be prompting illegal miners to abandon platforms before enforcement teams reach them.

‘The SBS plays a key role by providing the riverine capability needed to reach mining platforms and other locations that are difficult to access from land,’ the statement noted.

It added that the objective is to systematically clear floating chanfang platforms from the river, deny illegal miners freedom to operate on the water, and prevent them from simply relocating to other sections when pressure is applied.

The statement indicated that Operation Water Shield will also target mining sites along the riverbanks whose activities contribute to pollution, sedimentation, and degradation of the River Offin.

NAIMOS emphasised that patrols will continue, abandoned platforms will be cleared, and illegal mining sites affecting the river will remain targets for enforcement action.

‘NAIMOS remains committed to restoring effective protection of the River Offin and ensuring that areas cleared during the operation are not reoccupied by illegal miners,’ the statement pointed out.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Operations at the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC), Felicity Nelson, has challenged graduates of BlueCrest University College to translate their skills into real impact.

She was speaking at the 26th Convocation held under the theme, ‘From Skills to Impact: Empowering Graduates to Innovate, Lead and Drive Sustainable Development.’

Ms. Nelson said qualifications alone are no longer enough, stressing that the real test of education begins when graduates face problems without textbook answers.

‘What is the value of a skill if it does not solve a problem, create an opportunity, improve a system, or make somebody’s life better?’ she asked.

She noted that Ghana does not lack potential but must learn to organise and deploy its assets productively, citing tourism as an example where assets must be turned into viable products.

Sharing the success story of GTDC’s ‘Accra by Night’ product, Ms. Nelson revealed how she personally sold tickets door-to-door when the second edition recorded low sales, turning it into the company’s most successful product with over 30 editions in just over a year.

She urged graduates not to limit themselves to their qualifications but to be resourceful, creative, and ready to get involved to drive sustainable development.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba, Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual, Prof. Imurana Awaisu Braimah said UEW values its long-standing affiliation with BlueCrest, describing the institution as a credible partner.

Delivering the Vice Chancellor’s message, he said graduation goes beyond wearing gowns and taking pictures, stressing the importance of the theme ‘From Skills to Impact.’

He charged graduates to move ‘from gown to town’ by impacting their families, communities and the nation.

Prof. Braimah urged graduates to be creative and innovative and not wait to be employed, but to create opportunities for others.

Acting Rector of BlueCrest University College, Thomas Buabeng Assan, charged graduates to move beyond seeking jobs to creating opportunities.

He noted that graduates are entering a world rapidly transformed by technology, artificial intelligence and digitisation, which is changing how people learn, research and deliver services.

He, therefore, urged them not to fear technological change but to embrace continuous learning and adaptation.

‘Do not ask only where can I find a job. Also ask: What problems can I solve? What value can I create?’ he said.

Mr. Assan emphasised that entrepreneurship is about seeing possibilities where others see problems, and that leadership is about responsibility, not position.

He charged graduates to be innovative, entrepreneurial, technologically inclined and ethical, asking whether their work creates value, improves lives, protects the environment and contributes to a better Ghana.

Grace Sey-Ansah, BA Mass Communication and Journalism, was the Valedictorian for the class of 2025.

Faboulous Ladies coach Nana Atuahene has confirmed that two suspects have been arrested in Techiman in the Bono Region in connection with the alleged murder of footballer Agartha Takyiwaa.

The 22-year-old was killed on the evening of Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Afrancho in the Atwima Kwanwoma District of the Ashanti Region. She was stabbed in the thigh, stomach and neck.

According to the coach, Agartha worked as a commercial tricycle (pragya) rider. Around 10:30pm, she picked up a female passenger and was taking her to Afrancho New Site.

Events reportedly took a tragic turn during the journey, leading to a struggle between Agartha and some suspected assailants over her tricycle.

She was stabbed during the confrontation and died, while the suspects made off with the tricycle and her mobile phone. The suspects were later tracked down through the phone’s location.

Agartha had been preparing for the upcoming 2026/27 Women’s Division One League.

Coach Atuahene said the club has yet to formally inform the Ghana Football Association about the incident. Speaking to Luv FM, he noted the realities facing players in the women’s game. ‘Women’s football is still young in Ghana,’ he said. ‘Our players are registered as amateurs, not professionals, so we support them with only transportation costs.’

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has sworn into office the new Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Ghana (CIB Ghana), with a call on its members to strengthen professional standards, ethical conduct and the banking sector’s resilience against emerging threats.

The ceremony, held at the Ministry of Education in Accra, saw members of the 2026 Governing Council take their oaths of office and secrecy in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Ghana Act, 2019 (Act 991).

The Council is led by Dr. Ellen Ohene-Afoakwa as President and Chairperson, with Woelinam Dogbe as Vice President and Benjamin Amenumey as Immediate Past President. Robert Dzato serves as Chief Executive Officer.

Other members include Rosemond Amoo, Doris Yaa Aggrey Ahiati, Daniel Kweku Arhin, John Awuah, representing the Ghana Association of Banks; Elliot Adu Amoako, representing the Bank of Ghana; Kudjo Andy Ameckson of the Ministry of Finance; and Emmanuel Oteng of the Ministry of Education.

Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the Education Minister urged the Council to promote professional excellence, enforce ethical standards and equip bankers to respond to changing industry demands.

He identified cybercrime, digital banking fraud and artificial intelligence as emerging threats requiring urgent attention.

‘We expect that you will respond to the new emerging challenge of artificial intelligence and how that can impact on fraud associated with banking in Ghana,’ he said.

The Minister also urged the Institute to pay attention to non-performing loans, regulatory compliance and corporate governance.

He stressed that ethical conduct was fundamental to the banking profession, urging practitioners to provide accurate information, avoid fraud, protect customer confidentiality and refrain from discriminatory practices.

Although he acknowledged improvements in the resilience of the banking sector, he said sustaining the gains would require stronger corporate governance.

Mr. Iddrisu also highlighted the contribution of community banks to financial inclusion and urged CIB Ghana to advise the Ministry on incorporating financial literacy into the national curriculum.

In her remarks, Dr. Ohene-Afoakwa said the new Council was committed to shaping the future of banking in Ghana amid rapid technological developments and emerging industry risks.

She identified professional standards, digital finance capabilities, good governance, ethical leadership and opportunities for young bankers as key priorities.

She said banking went beyond financial institutions and transactions to include supporting businesses, facilitating investment, creating opportunities and contributing to national economic development.

Dr. Ohene-Afoakwa said the Council would work towards building a profession that was future-ready, globally competitive and anchored in integrity, competence and public trust.

She identified cyber fraud and non-performing loans as major concerns, adding that the Institute had incorporated cybersecurity, virtual assets, data analytics and green finance into its curriculum.

The Chief Executive Officer of CIB Ghana, Robert Dzato, announced plans to make continuing professional development (CPD) mandatory for members.

He said chartered bankers would be required to earn a minimum number of professional development credit hours annually to maintain their membership status.

Mr. Dzato said the Institute was also strengthening leadership, soft and digital skills development, expanding digital learning and improving its faculty.

He added that efforts were underway to develop future banking professionals through university programmes in banking and ethics, as well as financial literacy initiatives in secondary schools.