The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB PLC) has made another significant mark in Ghana’s banking industry with the first-ever retreat of its Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIB) Chapter, creating a strategic platform to strengthen professionalism, deepen collaboration, and prepare bankers for the rapidly changing future of financial services.
Held at Akosombo on 7th and 8th August 2026, under the theme “Recharge, Reconnect and Reinvent,” the two-day retreat brought together members of the CIB-ADB Chapter across the country, executives, and industry experts for a blend of professional development, strategic conversations, mentorship, networking, and team-building.
The historic retreat was led by the President of the CIB-ADB Chapter who is also the Deputy Managing Director in charge of Services at ADB, Mrs. Sylvia Naa Kwakai Nyante. Participants were honoured to have the Managing Director of ADB, Edward Ato Sarpong, attending as a Special Guest and the Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Ghana, Robert Dzato, also attending as a Speaker.
The initiative underscores ADB’s growing emphasis on developing its human capital and building a new generation of banking professionals equipped with the knowledge, leadership capabilities, ethical grounding, and innovative mindset in line with ADB’s strategic vision of being among the top 3 banks in Ghana, globally admired for its people, processes, and performance.
Theme: Recharge, Reconnect, and Reinvent
Addressing participants, Mrs. Sylvia Naa Kwakai Nyante said the maiden retreat represents much more than a gathering of professional bankers, describing it as an opportunity for members to reconnect with one another, strengthen professional relationships, and collectively reflect on their role in shaping the future of banking.
Mrs. Nyante emphasised that the theme, “Recharge, Reconnect and Reinvent,” speaks directly to the realities of today’s banking environment, where institutions and professionals must continuously adapt to technological advancement, changing customer expectations, emerging risks and increasing competition.
According to her, the strength of the CIB-ADB Chapter must ultimately be reflected in the quality of its members, the professional standards they uphold, and the value they bring to ADB and the wider banking industry.
“The future of banking will require professionals who are prepared to continuously learn, collaborate and reinvent or reposition themselves. This retreat provides us with an opportunity to recharge, strengthen the bonds among us and develop the collective capacity required to contribute meaningfully to the transformation of ADB PLC and the banking profession,” Mrs. Nyante said.
She noted that building stronger professional relationships among members would also encourage mentorship, knowledge sharing and a greater sense of belonging within the Chapter.
ADB PLC Investing in the Future of Its People
The Managing Director of ADB, Edward Ato Sarpong, commended the leadership of the CIB-ADB Chapter for introducing the retreat in the banking industry and creating a platform that brings professional development closer to employees.
He noted that the transformation of ADB PLC into a stronger, more competitive and customer-focused institution requires deliberate investment in the people who drive the Bank’s strategy.
The ADB MD highlighted that while digital technology is rapidly transforming the delivery of financial services, people will remain central to the success of banking institutions. He therefore encouraged participants to embrace continuous professional development and remain responsive to emerging trends within the industry.
“As banking continues to evolve, the institutions that will lead are those that combine innovation and technology with knowledgeable, ethical and highly motivated people. Our investment in professional development is therefore an investment in the future of ADB,” the ADB MD stated.
Edward Ato Sarpong urged members of the Chapter to translate the knowledge, relationships and ideas developed during the retreat into improved customer experience, stronger teamwork and greater value for the Bank’s stakeholders.
Robert Dzato Challenges Bankers to Prepare for the Future
The CEO of CIB Ghana, Mr. Robert Dzato, a guest speaker, highlighted the increasingly dynamic nature of the banking profession and the need for practitioners to continually enhance their competencies.
He underscored the important role of professional banking education in building a resilient financial sector and challenged bankers to look beyond traditional approaches to banking as digitalisation, artificial intelligence, data analytics and changing customer behaviour redefine the industry.
Robert Dzato further encouraged members to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct, noting that trust remains fundamental to banking despite the technological transformation taking place within the sector.
“Banking may be changing in the way services are delivered, but professionalism, competence, integrity and trust will remain at the heart of the profession. The banker of the future must therefore be technically competent, digitally aware, innovative and deeply committed to ethical practice,” Mr. Dzato said.
He commended the CIB-ADB Chapter for setting the pace by organizing the first-ever CIB chapter retreat and creating a dedicated platform for professional engagement. Mr. Dzato also encouraged members to take advantage of the Institute’s programmes to continuously upgrade their knowledge and capabilities.
From Professional Development to Stronger Human Connections
The retreat programme was deliberately designed to combine professional development with human-centred engagement.
The opening day featured a welcome and introductory session followed by a Committee Spotlight Session, during which the Welfare, Learning and Development, and Membership Committees highlighted their roles and priorities.
A major feature was “The Big Conversation,” which provided a platform for participants to explore the retreat theme and exchange perspectives on professional growth, collaboration and the changing banking landscape.
The programme also featured “Sharing the Thrill,” allowing participants to share experiences and stories that have shaped their professional journeys.
On the second day, participants engaged with industry leadership through speaker sessions, while executives and committee members of the CIB-ADB Chapter were inducted and sworn into office.
The retreat further incorporated feedback and reflection sessions, networking opportunities and social activities, including a talent show and karaoke night, to deepen camaraderie and strengthen relationships among members.
A New Chapter for Professional Banking at ADB
The maiden CIB-ADB Chapter Retreat represents a major step in strengthening professional banking culture within ADB and creating a sustainable platform for learning, mentorship and leadership development.
It also signals a broader recognition that the future competitiveness of financial institutions will depend significantly on their ability to build bold, agile, innovative and highly skilled workforces capable of responding to disruption and creating value for customers.
For ADB, the historic gathering reinforces its commitment to building a workforce that is not merely prepared to respond to the future of banking, but empowered to help shape it even far beyond banking.
