Ghana’s Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has been elected Chairman of the Board of Governors of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) during the Bank’s 23rd Annual General Meeting, held in Banjul, Gambia.
Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem delivered a speech on behalf of Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, in which the newly elected Chairman expressed heartfelt gratitude for the honour and confidence placed in him. He also reaffirmed Ghana’s strong commitment to the vision and mission of EBID.
“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,” Dr. Forson’s message read.
In his address, Dr. Forson outlined a forward-looking strategic agenda aimed at strengthening EBID’s impact across the sub-region. His vision focuses on four key areas:
1. Strengthening resource mobilization to better finance regional development;
2. Improving capital recovery through enhanced asset management and operational efficiency;
3. Facilitating non-regional membership to broaden the Bank’s investment base and partnerships;
4. Positioning EBID as the leading development finance institution in West Africa and beyond.
He noted that while the region faces notable challenges, these also present opportunities for transformation, and with collective effort, EBID can serve as a key driver of sustainable growth and integration.
Dr. Forson also commended Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, President of EBID, and his team for their continued efforts in advancing the Bank’s mission.
Outgoing Chairman Hon. Seedy Keita expressed appreciation for his tenure and pledged full support to Dr. Forson. He highlighted EBID’s essential role in driving economic development among ECOWAS member states and shared his optimism about the Bank’s future under new leadership.
About EBID
The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) is the financial institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), consisting of 15 member countries. Originally established in 1975 as the ECOWAS Fund, it was transformed into EBID in 1999 and restructured into a single-window institution in 2007 to serve both public and private sectors.
Headquartered in Lomé, Togo, EBID plays a central role in supporting regional integration and sustainable economic development.
Ghana remains a key partner of the Bank, with EBID’s total commitment to the country currently standing at approximately $408 million. This supports 24 active projects across sectors such as finance, energy, and infrastructure. Notable Ghanaian projects include partnerships with Consolidated Bank Ghana, Access Bank Ghana PLC, the Tema LNG Terminal, and the Marriott Hotel.
