Ghana's Rural Banks: A Missing Voice in Economic Policy

Ghanaian Rural Banks Demand Greater Voice in Economic Policy Accra, Ghana – The CEO of Amenfiman Rural Bank, speaking in an interview with JoyNews, has raised concerns about the marginalization of rural banks in national economic policy discussions. He stressed the critical role these banks play in providing credit to millions of Ghanaians, many of whom operate in the informal sector and lack access to traditional banking services. "Many people, even in authority, do not understand what rural banks are for," the CEO stated, highlighting a disconnect between policymakers and the realities of rural communities. He further emphasized that rural banks provide loans to approximately 6.5 million customers, a significant portion of the Ghanaian population. The CEO's concerns stem from a recent high-profile economic policy meeting where rural banks were notably absent. This exclusion, he argues, prevents rural banks from contributing their unique insights and perspectives to crucial policy decisions. He expressed hope that increased media coverage will bring this issue to the forefront of national discourse, leading to greater inclusivity in the future. The Amenfiman Rural Bank CEO's call for greater representation underscores the need for policymakers to consider the perspectives of all stakeholders, especially those serving the often-overlooked rural communities, in shaping Ghana's economic future.