Banjul: Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister for Finance, has been elected Chairman of the Board of Governors of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID). Dr. Forson takes over from Seedy K. M. Keita, the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs of Gambia. The appointment was made during the 23rd Annual General Meeting of the Chairman of the Board of Governors, held in Banjul, Gambia.
According to Ghana News Agency, although Dr. Forson could not attend the meeting in person, his message of appreciation and vision was delivered by Mr. Thomas Nyarko Ampem, Deputy Minister for Finance. Mr. Ampem conveyed Dr. Forson's gratitude for the honor and acknowledged the significant responsibility associated with the role, pledging Ghana's commitment to the mission of EBID. Dr. Forson expressed his reliance on the support and collaboration of fellow Governors in the upcoming year.
Dr. Forson outlined his strategic vision for EBID, focusing on strengthening resource mobilization to effectively finance regional development initiatives, improving capital recovery through enhanced asset management, and facilitating non-regional membership to expand the bank's investment base. He emphasized the potential for EBID to play a pivotal role in building a prosperous and integrated West Africa despite the challenges faced by the sub-region.
Dr. Forson commended Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, President of EBID, and his team for their contributions to regional integration and economic development. Mr. Keita, the outgoing Chairman, expressed gratitude for his tenure and voiced confidence in Dr. Forson's leadership to elevate the Bank's impact among ECOWAS member states.