This morning with hands lifted up, with mouths filled with praise and with a heart of thanksgiving, we return to you praise and honor for being gracious to us and bringing us from across the country to assemble this morning to celebrate part of your creation. You have made us co-creators with yourself in the wisdom and craft of architecture, various ways in which you reveal the work of your hands. As the Psalms would say, the heavens declare your glory and the firmament shows your handiwork. So we are here this morning under your authority, control, and guidance to celebrate what you have done for this country, for our region, for Africa, and the world. We pray that you will bless us with the gift of your presence, guide those leading this program with wisdom as we make our plans, direct our steps. May what we do at this time bring you glory, may it bring you honor, and may it be a blessing to all of us. We want to thank you that when we pray, you hear us. Amen.
Amen. Please be seated. Many thanks to you, the Most Reverend Professor J. N. A. Asamu, you are the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, and we're grateful. And now, your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, a sport of music from the Ghana Police Band.
Was hey would... By wisdom a house is built, by understanding it is established. If you have eyes to see this beauty of a day, turn around and look at this and tell me there's no wisdom and understanding. Put your hands together for the leadership of the Bank of Ghana and for this lasting legacy for ourselves and posterity. My name is Jerry A. Jolu, the proud brand ambassador of the Bank of Ghana. And today, by the special grace of God, on behalf of our fearless and courageous leader, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, together with his deputies, the board, management of the bank, and all our subsidiaries, allow me to say a warm and hearty good morning to you: the President of our Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo; the First Lady of the Republic, Your Excellency Rebecca Akufo-Addo; our Vice President, Your Excellency Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia; the Minister for Finance, The Honorable Dr. Muhammad Amin Adam, MP; the Minister for Interior, The Honorable Henry Quartey; the former Minister for Finance, Honorable Ken Ofori-Atta; former Minister for Finance, former Senior Minister and now Senior Presidential Advisor, The Honorable Yaw Osafo-Maafo; the Ministers of State and Members of Parliament here present; the Chair and members of the Council of State; Your Majesty, King Taki Teu Thei G, Chair of the Council of State; and representative of the Asante; representative of the second and ofa; excellencies, members of the diplomatic corps; the Governor of the Central Bank of the West African States, Dr. Cloud Casi Bru; the Governor of the Central Bank of Eswatini, Dr. Phil Mini; heads of our security services; our past Governor, Dr. Henry Kofi Wampah; Dr. Paul Acquah; past board directors, management and staff of the Bank of Ghana; our past and present staff; CEOs of banks and non-bank financial institutions; distinguished invited guests; members of the press; ladies and gentlemen. It is with great delight I welcome you to the Bank Square, the new head office of the Bank of Ghana. It is a proud moment for Ghana and certainly a testament of our resilience and our collective ambition for a progressive central bank. It is my prayer that today will not just pass as the unveiling or the opening of a new building, but it will go more than that by way of unveiling a proud vision for Ghana's financial sector and a commitment to excellence, stability, and economic growth anchored on the unwavering determination to build for ourselves and posterity a robust financial system. We're live on GTV, the station of the nation, so are we live on UTV, Joy News, Joy FM, City FM, Channel 1 TV, the Bank of Ghana social media platforms, and other affiliated platforms. To welcome us warmly is a man who is leaving a legacy of service and great accomplishments for the bank and Ghana. If scars of resilience were visible on the human body, he would appear to us disfigured, but today, thanks to God, he comes to us in the spirit of Moses leading us triumphantly from Egypt to the promised land. I give to you, yours and mine, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison.
Thank you, thank you very much. Your Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana; Your Excellency Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, First Lady; Your Excellency Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana; the Chairman of the Council of State, Nana Otuo II, also representing the Asante; members of the Council of State; the Gintuahene; the Chumu representing the Okyenhene; honorable ministers: Minister for Finance Muhammad Amin; former Minister for Finance Mr. Ofori-Atta; senior presidential advisor Mr. Yaw Osafo-Maafo; Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, Reverend Professor Asamu Jidu; members of the clergy; distinguished governors of central banks from the BCEAO, Eswatini, and Sierra Leone; first and second deputy governors of the Bank of Ghana; former governors and deputy governors of the Bank of Ghana; members of the past and present board of the Bank of Ghana; members of the Bank of Ghana Pensions Association; the project management team of the Bank Square; members of the media; distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to this momentous occasion as we inaugurate this edifice as the new headquarters for the Bank of Ghana. I would like to welcome especially a few of the governors and deputy governors of the sister central banks who have come all the way to support us at this ceremony. We extend to you the warm welcome of Akwaaba. This new head office complex, called the Bank Square, is more than a fiscal structure. It is a national monument highlighting the symbolic representation of our strong commitment to the transformation of the Ghanaian economy. It also highlights the central and pivotal role of the Bank of Ghana and how it is intertwined with the development and history of Ghana. Your Excellency Mr. President, the Bank of Ghana traces its roots to the Bank of the Gold Coast back in 1947. Some leading local politicians had called for the establishment of a national bank with central bank functions to act as a banker to government and to cater for the indigenous sector of the economy. In 1953, the Bank of the Gold Coast was established to provide banking services to indigenous farmers, traders, and other individuals who could not access such services from export trade banks. As soon as local politicians and economies saw political independence in sight in the mid-1950s, the agitation for a central bank was revived. It was believed that the central bank would give true meaning to political independence. The colonial government at the time admitted the proposal and set up a national select committee in 1955 to review the proposal, thus preparing the grounds for the establishment of a central bank. Fortunately, the Bank of the Gold Coast had already set the stage for central banking following the experience from providing banking services to the indigenous economy. All that was needed in addition was specially trained personnel in central banking and a suitable accommodation for the central bank to take off. A session of the bank staff were therefore trained to start a new department, the issue department, responsible for the issuance of local currency. By the end of 1956, all was set for the establishment of the central bank in Ghana. On the 4th of March 1957, just two days before the declaration of political independence, the Bank of Ghana was formally established by the Bank of Ghana Ordinance number 34 of 1957. The primary mandates of the bank were to issue and redeem local currency, manage foreign reserves, influence credit allocation with a view to maintaining monetary stability and enhancing the value of the Ghana pound. The bank was also to act as the banker and financial advisor to the government. On 1st August 1957, the then new and modern five-story building on the High Street, Number One Thorpe Road, opened its doors for business. For more than 67 years, that building has served as the command center for the central bank to formulate monetary policy, supervise the banking and non-banking financial institutions, and oversee its operations across the country. Arguably, one of the most key economic achievements of the country, especially under the Fourth Republic, has been the rapid growth and development of the financial sector. Broadly, this was driven by the national drive to make Accra the financial gateway to the sub-region. This vision led to bold investments to transform this enclave into a financial hub. Your Excellency, I recall I raised the issue of a new headquarters of Bank of Ghana with you sometime in 2018, a vision which you shared and encouraged us to explore. I must say that this idea had been in the plans of the bank from the early 2000s. Since then, successive management teams and boards made different attempts to initiate processes to build a new head office. However, each attempt was overcome by one challenge after the other. This attempt under your administration was not without difficulties, as this location was the subject of litigation. However, your decision to issue an executive instrument to acquire the land for the public good, seeing this as a national monument, paved the way for this project to commence. Over the past 67 years in operation, the core functions of the central bank have expanded both in terms of scope and the number of functions, following the fast-changing domestic economic landscape and increasing integration with the global financial architecture. For example, the scale of issuing and redeeming of currency in the 1950s pales in comparison to the same operation in today's economy. The number of regulated financial institutions has increased from less than five institutions in 1957 to over 830 institutions and across 20 institutional categories. Presently, the number of branches of regulated institutions, personnel, and systems that must be supervised have expanded significantly. And we cannot ignore the monumental evolution of banking services, the corresponding increase in the number of consumers of those services, and technological advancements that have changed the financial service ecosystem in Ghana, bringing on board licensing and supervision of mobile money operators and financial technology firms. As you may be aware, Bank of Ghana has multiple offices in the city of Accra, and with a strategic plan to harmonize all these operational units at the headquarters under one roof, this new head office provides us with the opportunity to better streamline our operations, improve communication, reduce costs, and create the needed synergies for efficiency. Distinguished guests, the Bank Square was designed with a future in mind and stands as one of the most important modern civic landmarks in the city of Accra and for that matter our nation. This building will play a pivotal role in shaping Ghana's identity as a leading force in Africa's financial ecosystem, symbolizing Ghana's growing influence as an economic powerhouse on the world stage. By commissioning this product of the imagination of an internationally celebrated architect, Sir David Adjaye, a proud son of Ghana, we are boldly affirming our commitment to investing in the nation's future. His architectural firm, Adjaye and Associates, has created this enduring masterpiece, one designed to withstand the test of time and serve as a beacon of Ghana's revitalization for generations to come. Architecturally, the Bank Square is a bold statement of Bank of Ghana's enduring presence and authority in the financial landscape. Clad in durable stone, the building symbolizes permanence and resilience, much like ancient monuments that have withstood the test of time. This material not only conveys the bank's structure but also requires minimal maintenance, supporting the bank's sustainability goals. This architectural form reflects the bank's role as a regulatory authority and affirms its importance within the nation's economic framework. Standing at 100 meters, it is not only the tallest building in Ghana but also the most sustainable, edge-advanced structure of its size in the country and in the sub-region. This landmark complex is entirely powered by its own harvested solar energy, setting a new standard for environmentally conscious civic and public buildings across Africa. So if you see the lights on at night, we are not depending on the national grid; the electricity is being generated by the solar panels above this podium. Despite together, the four buildings will accommodate over 2,500 staff, and alongside offices and public banking facilities, there is a currency museum, a conference and press amenities, a 1,500-seat auditorium, and rooftop terraces. Despite all the innovative features of the building, by acquiring the services of local partners, the management of the bank has ensured that the value for money assessment of this project can boast of a lower cost per square meter than comparable projects in Accra. In addition, the construction of the Bank Square has provided an invaluable opportunity for hundreds of local workers to upscale their trade and crafts. It has equipped them with expertise to create buildings that set new standards in sustainability and craftsmanship, positioning them at the forefront of modern construction in Africa. Your Excellency, this is a civic building in the heart of Accra that is designed to honor, shape, and celebrate the future of Ghana. The state-of-the-art facility will foster creativity, collaboration, and efficiency, and undoubtedly it will enhance productivity in the bank and further drive our success. We envision this building as a hub for innovation where more groundbreaking ideas will be born and nurtured. It will be a place where a new generation of officials will thrive and achieve new heights in modern central banking. I am personally elated but also humbled to see this national monument completed during my time in office. I want to express my sincere gratitude to you, Your Excellency Mr. President, for your immense support to get our hands to the wheels of this project and for your assistance in the acquisition process of the land. I also appreciate our dedicated team who worked tirelessly to bring this project to fruition. Their hard work and commitment have made this day possible. We are also grateful to our valued stakeholders who have supported us throughout this journey. Special credit goes to Gold Key Property Limited, the general contractor; Mr. Hayford, our representative on the project; and the lead consultant of Multicard Bricks Landscaping, who served as the landscaper; Architects Green Design Africa for the sustainable features; Esco, the structural and civic engineers; and last but not the least, Inhabit, the facade engineers. We applaud your dedication, professionalism, and teamwork that has resulted in this iconic structure. We say Ayekoo to you. To my colleague members of the board, deputy governors, and staff of the bank, I know you all share with me the feelings I have expressed. Let us all embrace the opportunities that lie ahead and work together to make this new head office build on the successes of the old one. This new headquarters of the Bank of Ghana, the Bank Square, should serve as a new instrument to help us effectively play the role as a transformative economic agency. In conclusion, Your Excellency Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, as I earlier mentioned, since 1957 our head office has been located on that popular spot on the Number One Thorpe Road of the J. E. A. Mills High Street. After 67 years of meritorious service to the economy, today's ceremony will officially retire the old head office building. Therefore, after today's commissioning, our official address for the Bank of Ghana head office will change to the Bank Square, Number 42 Castle Road, Accra. As we step into this new chapter, I am filled with optimism that this building will remain a significant investment in our collective future as a nation. This will also push the Bank of Ghana towards new frontiers in central banking and demonstrate what we as a nation are capable of achieving. We remain committed to delivering on our mandate, and this new facility should enable us to do so effectively. Once again, thank you for celebrating our new address with us. God bless Ghana and God bless us all. Thank you.
And if this were a valedictory speech, it would have been the greatest of all time. Please put your hands together one more time for the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison. Thank you for your service to the nation. A grateful nation says thank you. It's important that I acknowledge in our midst a brother to the governor who happens to be the governor of the Central Bank of Sierra Leone. Would you please make welcome Dr. Ibrahim Stevens? Thank you for joining us. Moving on, we would like to acknowledge a Ghanaian real estate brand of international repute who happen to be the general contractors for this building. Would you please make welcome Gold Key Properties Limited, the founder Mr. Kwaku Ofosu-Barko. Designed with sustainability, timelessness, and employee wellness in mind, the 150,000 square meter Bank Square has seven primary structures developed to accommodate 2,500 staff members alongside multi-level parking facilities within a lush landscaped environment. The amenity pavilion, a six-story structure, accommodates facilities including the currency museum, conference centers, press facilities, an auditorium, and roof terrace among others. The urban block is a nine-story structure with wide floor plates to accommodate some of the corporate departments and some of the amenity spaces that promote staff wellness and staff work-life balance. Some of its features include conventional office spaces as well as complimentary facilities like staff cafeteria, lecture rooms, computer labs, a nursery, other breakout areas, and a medical center. The strategically positioned podium provides connectivity between the building blocks. Its landscape rooftop provides direct access to the primary pedestrian lobbies of the tower and the urban block. The tower, the most visually distinctive element of the project, stands tall at 22 stories high above ground. This building provides the majority of the staff areas, meeting rooms, conference facilities, VIP areas, as well as a Muslim and Christian prayer room. Please bring it down, Mr. President. We shall rectify the video and show to all. But for now, ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Kwaku.
Thank you, thank you very much. His Excellency the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Her Excellency the First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo, His Excellency Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor, Honorable Minister of Finance Dr. Muhammad Amin Adam, Governor of the Bank of Ghana Dr. Ernest Addison, Governor of the Central Bank of West Africa Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, Her Ladyship the Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, the Right Honorable Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, the Most Reverend Professor J. Quabena Asamu Jidu, Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Ghana, distinguished members of the Bank of Ghana board, country representative of the World Bank, country representative of the International Monetary Fund, and members of the diplomatic corps, heads of financial and non-financial institutions, leaders of the various local and international bodies, the representative of the Asante King, the Gyaasewahene, and other traditional rulers, ladies and gentlemen. I acknowledge that this list of dignitaries here is inexhaustible and time would not permit me to extend due honor to you all as I stand on all established protocols to address this esteemed audience. Thank you for the opportunity and the honor. In 1997, Gold Key was a modest team of three individuals operating out of a humble office block in the heart of Adabraka. Today, however, our company is more visible with a proven track record. The journey up to this point has been anything but easy and accidental. It has been the result of years of unwavering dedication to achieving excellence in every project and initiative we undertake. In our pursuit of a consistent track record for delivering world-class developments, we have emerged as trailblazers in Ghana's real estate market, boldly pioneering disruptive business models that have set benchmarks for the industry. In the depths of our hearts, we hold the unwavering belief that we indigenous Ghanaians are the only ones willing to make the necessary sacrifices and pay the enduring price to build our nation. History shows that every great nation has risen through the dedication of its own people who have the highest stake in the success of the country. At Gold Key, we have chosen to play our part solely through the private sector and remain true to this track. Your Excellency, in every corporate entity's existence, certain key events mark the chapters of that entity's history, defining its legacy and foretelling its future. For us at Gold Key Properties and by extension CH Group, this represents one of those defining moments for several reasons. For one, this is our very first EPC project for the government of Ghana. In alignment with our core values, we were determined to demonstrate to ourselves, to Ghanaians, and to the world that a local company can be entrusted with even the most ambitious, most complex, most sensitive development project such as the Central Bank of Ghana. This building is more than a remarkable addition to our Accra skyline. It proudly stands as the largest office development in the country and I dare say in the West African sub-region. The journey to its completion was filled with high stakes, incessant anxiety, and unprecedented challenges. The project's scale and complexity pushed Gold Key Properties into uncharted territory, drawing skepticism from many. While doubts about its completion were understandable, they fueled the determination to succeed. Today we celebrate this monumental achievement and the resilience of the Ghanaian people. This achievement represents not only a significant milestone for our company but also a proud moment for Ghanaians everywhere. It serves as a testament to the ability of indigenous companies to deliver world-class excellence. Ghanaian businesses and its private sector have undoubtedly arrived and must be given opportunities to demonstrate their capabilities to compete on the world stage. Though we have had an enviable portfolio of development spanning over 27 years, none can be compared to this mega project in scale, scope, and complexity. Today's commissioning shows that the trust reposed in us was well placed and has returned with glorious value. Thank you for the confidence and trust you placed in our ability and capacity as a local company to deliver to scale, precision, quality, cost, time, and other critical factors. Gold Key Properties is eternally grateful to the government of Ghana, the central bank, and the people of Ghana. Today we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to Ghana's growth and prosperity. We pledge that every penny made on this project will be reinvested in Ghana, funding its development and advancing the shared aspirations of its people. Your Excellency, we succeeded because you trusted in us and believed in our track record of excellence and believed in us. We triumphed because the government of Ghana gave us the opportunity and for that, Gold Key Properties and our team say a heartfelt thank you. Now, talking about the central bank, we acknowledge the visionary leadership and the hands-on approach of Governor Addison himself as well as his deputies that cascaded down the emphasis on the end-to-end standards, commitment, and collaborative spirit of the top hierarchy of the Bank of Ghana and other relevant state agencies. Thank you, Governor Addison, and thank you to your deputies. We pay glowing tribute to the project team including consultants, managers, administrators, surveyors, architects, engineers, subcontractors, suppliers, workmen, laborers who translated this ambitious endeavor from a bold vision through concept to reality. To all other partners and stakeholders who contributed to have culminated in this magnificent edifice, we say a big thank you for being part of the success story and part of history. We especially would like to thank Ganbo, Blue Blaze, Santech, Lam Bae, AA, C, meant, ACP, Missish, Lifes, and CS Wong. As we honor this milestone, our vision extends far beyond the present. Yes, this building is a product of man's excellence, architectural craftsmanship, ultra-modern engineering, precision construction, and fine arts history. But beyond its functionality and aesthetic appeal, it stands as a bold project of Ghana's brand within the sub-region and across the globe. It symbolizes the future for the Ghana we envisage. At Gold Key and within CH Group, our broader portfolio of companies will remain focused on playing our part from the business sector. We share in Ghana's unique potential for its establishment as a regional hub with all embracing advancement and development. With this vision in our hearts, we are committed to partnering with key stakeholders, present and successive governments, to realize the extraordinary potential of our nation. And I invite you all to join us in our passion, drive, and determination to shape a brighter future for Ghana. May today mark the beginning of a new and glorious chapter for the Bank of Ghana, for our beloved country Ghana, and for the entire African continent. Thank you.
And if by creating an enabling macroeconomic atmosphere for private sector organizations to flourish and impact like Gold Key, I believe the Bank of Ghana is deserving of a round of applause. We thank you ever so much, Mr. Kwaku and your organization Gold Key Properties Limited, for living up to the task. If the video is ready, I shall invite you to play it for all our guests to see. Designed with sustainability, timelessness, and employee wellness in mind, the 150,000 square meter Bank Square has seven primary structures developed to accommodate 2,500 staff members alongside multi-level parking facilities within a lush landscaped environment. The amenity pavilion, a six-story structure, accommodates facilities including the currency museum, conference centers, press facilities, an auditorium, and roof terrace among others. The urban block is a nine-story structure with wide floor plates to accommodate some of the corporate departments and some of the amenity spaces that promote staff wellness and staff work-life balance. Some of its features include conventional office spaces as well as complimentary facilities like staff cafeteria, lecture rooms, computer labs, a nursery, other breakout areas, and a medical center. The strategically positioned podium provides connectivity between the building blocks. Its landscape rooftop provides direct access to the primary pedestrian lobbies of the tower and the urban block. The tower, the most visually distinctive element of the project, stands tall at 22 stories high above ground. This building provides the majority of the staff areas, meeting rooms, conference facilities, VIP areas, as well as a Muslim and Christian prayer room. The project also includes a state-of-the-art double volume banking hall with complete back of office service facilities. Another structure within the project is an energy farm, a one-story structure that accommodates the equipment. And so from the grasslands of the savannah to the coastlines of Accra, let the drums beat, let the bodies throttle, and ladies and gentlemen, let's celebrate this great feat. The Bank of Ghana, I give to you the Ghana Dance Ensemble.
A celebration of this great feat for Ghana and for the sub-region. It is the new head office of the Bank of Ghana. Joining us today with goodwill are the Ghana Association of Banks and the West African Central Bank of West African States. Speaking to us now is the President of the Ghana Association of Banks. Make welcome Mr. Kofi Adaku.
Your Excellency President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, please permit me to stand on the well-established protocols so well done by the governor. A good morning to all of you. Today, on behalf of the governing council and the entire membership of the Ghana Association of Banks, I congratulate the governor, deputy governors, and the entire staff of the Bank of Ghana on the commissioning of this iconic Bank Square, which symbolizes the bank's enduring presence and stability and formally today representing the headquarters of the Central Bank of Ghana. This invitation to deliver a goodwill message stands as a testament to the strong partnership and collaboration between the Bank of Ghana and the Ghana Association of Banks (GAB). Your Excellency, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, this launch goes beyond the achievement of a mere milestone. It is a remarkable feat. It represents how mature we are today as a country in developing the ecosystem for financial markets in Ghana. Bank of Ghana over the decades has laid a strong foundation by putting in place a sound and robust financial blueprint, shaping laws, policies, and regulations on one hand as the soft infrastructure, and now the iconic Bank Square represents part of the hard infrastructure in this state-of-the-art and technology-infused edifice to complete the financial ecosystem. It marks the evolution of the central bank in preparing itself to take the center stage from an economic and finance perspective. As recorded in the good book, this iconic and ultra-modern edifice depicts the magnificent temple built by King Solomon, a structure renowned for exuding beauty and reflecting the work of expert craftsmen and professionals. In this, the Bank Square, as I understand and we all know now, was constructed by Gold Key Properties, a wholly Ghanaian-owned construction company. This remarkable achievement underscores the capabilities of our local enterprises, and we should take pride in this. It is important that we continue to trust in the capabilities and actively engage the services of our local businesses to lead in infrastructure development in our country. The Bank of Ghana is once again demonstrating its leadership, ensuring that this building is sustainable and edge-compliant, equipped with renewable energy systems as well as advanced treatment plants for water and waste management, aligning with modern eco-friendly standards. Your Excellency, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the consistent progress we have made in enhancing the soundness of the banking sector provides a strong foundation for Ghana to assume a stronger leadership role in the financial services industry across the continent. It positions our nation as a role model in areas such as regulation, governance, stakeholder engagement, innovation, and financial inclusion among others. There is no doubt that with their numerous achievements as a country, notably political stability, peace, and improving macroeconomic conditions, Ghana is well positioned to become a center of excellence in the sub-region, attracting increased investments from domestic and international investors. The rapidly evolving banking landscape has placed greater demands on regulators to respond effectively and meet the heightened expectations of the public and other economic actors. On one hand, the exponential growth of technology and digitization has significantly expedited innovation, expanded financial inclusion, and enhanced customer experience. However, alongside these immense benefits, the rapid pace of technological advancement has also induced challenges in areas like data security, privacy concerns, cyber threats, and the risk of financial technologies being exploited for money laundering and illicit activities. Amidst these developments, Mr. President, Your Excellency, amidst these developments and emerging risks, the Bank of Ghana has consistently played a pivotal role in driving economic development and ensuring the safety and soundness of Ghana's banking and financial services sector. Through its proactive approach and sustained engagement with stakeholders, the central bank has continuously enhanced its effectiveness over the years. By implementing appropriate regulations and fostering collaboration, the Bank of Ghana has created an enabling environment for banks and fintechs to thrive while protecting the interest of customers and the general public. Despite the many disruptions and challenges the financial services sector has encountered and will continue to encounter, I remain confident in the resilience of Ghana's banking sector. Our banks are strong and well positioned to fulfill their mandate in providing innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of our clients and contribute meaningfully to the nation's economic development and growth. Your Excellency, as President of the Ghana Association of Banks, I wish to take this opportunity to once again congratulate the Bank of Ghana for the immense support in navigating the difficult moments in our economy in the last few years. As we go into 2025 and beyond, we look forward to a stronger collaboration with the Bank of Ghana in resolving common issues to the financial services sector for mutual and national benefits. Your Excellency, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, once again congratulations to the Bank of Ghana as we commission Bank Square today. It is my sincere hope that the Bank of Ghana will continue its proactive engagement with stakeholders at the local, regional, and international levels. This commitment is vital to delivering its mandate effectively and maintaining relevance in an ever-evolving and disruptive global environment. Thank you all for your attention.
Attention and may God bless us all.
Mr. Kofi Adaku is the president of the Ghana Association of Banks and the managing director of GCB Bank PLC. Please a round of applause. Thank you for that warm goodwill message. What we've done here through this building is to position the bank to host the Regional Central Bank. I know our next speaker will give his endorsement of that because he happens to be the governor of the Central Bank of West Africa. I give to you Dr. John Claude Kasi Brew.
