Rural Banks’ senior executives equipped with skills in sustainable financing

Rural and Community Banks (RCBs) have been urged to prioritise sustainable financing as a strategic approach to delivering quality services to customers while meeting the long-term expectations of shareholders.

This should be in line with the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework, even as financial decision-making and operational planning are increasingly influenced by institutional resilience, environmental accountability, and evolving regulatory standards.

Given these dynamics, RCBs are expected to take a more proactive role in promoting environmental stewardship, supporting the use of renewable energy, and financing eco-friendly initiatives that contribute to long-term sustainability.

In addition to environmental considerations, financial institutions are being called upon to support social-impact-driven projects, particularly in key areas such as health, education, and community development.

These insights were shared by the Executive Director of the Association of Rural Banks (ARB), Solomon Amankwah, during the opening ceremony of a one-day non-residential training for Directors of RCBs, and a two-day non-residential training for Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and senior management staff from across the country at different regional locations.

The training which is currently underway is being put together in collaboration with ARB Apex Bank PLC and its technical partner, GIZ, as part of a broader initiative to raise awareness about sustainable financing in the rural banking sector.

According to Mr. Amankwah, the programme aims to deepen participants’ understanding of ESG frameworks and green finance tools; equip board members and management with actionable strategies to integrate sustainability into lending operations and strategic decision-making.

Also, the training will seek to build institutional capacity to deliver financial solutions that are both profitable and socially responsible; and ensure alignment with national policies and international best practices in sustainability and risk management.

“As both global and national development agenda shift decisively toward sustainability, it has become imperative for RCBs to embed Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into their core operations,” Mr. Amankwah highlighted.

He explained that the training is specifically designed to enhance participants’ knowledge of ESG concepts and introduce green finance instruments that can guide rural banks in adapting to emerging market demands.

Supported by experienced local and international facilitators, the programme is structured to be both practical and insightful. It is tailored to equip board members and senior executives with the tools, strategies, and perspectives required to lead sustainable rural banking institutions effectively.

The Executive Director reiterated that the initiative reflects the shared commitment of the Association of Rural Banks, ARB Apex Bank, and GIZ to strengthen leadership at all levels—particularly at the board and executives, so they could make informed, forward-thinking decisions that not only build institutional resilience but also promote the long-term prosperity of the communities RCBs serve.

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