UBA Group has
approved a $315m
facility to the
Government of
Ghana (GOG) for
Road Projects...”
January - March 2016 •
The Lion King
• 21
ABIOLA BAWUAH |
GROWING THE SEED
ers, which would improve financial
penetration across the country. We
have identified digital banking as the
most effective channel to harness the
potential of the unbanked populace
in Ghana, and we have institutional-
ized the term “Democratizing Digital
Banking in Ghana” as part of our cor-
porate and business strategy. We will
drive the revolution of digital banking,
bringing core financial products to the
disenfranchised through our innova-
tive digital banking channels.
What are the fastest growing sectors in
the Ghanaian economy and how well
is UBA playing in those sectors?
The biggest growth challenge in most
African countries is in infrastructure,
and rightly so in Ghana, we have wit-
nessed significant Government and
private sector focus in this vein. UBA
Ghana is positioned to be leading
partner for infrastructure development
in the public and private sector in the
country. In addition, Ghana remains
dependent on Agriculture (Cocoa)
and Extractive minerals (Oil and Gold)
and we will continue to support these
sectors, while broadening our focus to
new areas of growth in the non-tradi-
tional exports, service and burgeoning
power industry. We firmly believe in
the digital banking play in Ghana,
and have targeted the technology
(Web, Mobile) sector, which continues
to grow significantly as our major stra-
tegic platform. UBA Ghana is partner-
ing with the Ghanaian Government
for improved management of its
expenses through deployment of our
card solutions such as Travel Cards,
MMTU Bus Pass Card amongst others.
Government still remains the high-
est spender in the economy, conse-
quently we have strategically restruc-
tured and refocused our Public Sector
Group to be a formidable solution
provider to the Government and
enhance our share of their revenue
collection business.
As a way of bridging its budget deficit,
Government has increased some of
its levies and taxes to provide addi-
tional revenue to fund the infrastruc-
tural development gap in the coun-
try. UBA Ghana is already partnering
with the Government on this revenue
collection window and provision of
bridging facility for timely execution
of the infrastructural development
projects. Specifically, UBA Group has
approved a $315million facility to the
Government of Ghana (GOG) for
Road Projects on the strength of the
recently increased Road Fund levies
domiciled to UBA Ghana.
UBA Ghana is also partnering with
GOG to improve the visibility of its
accounts across all banks through the
ongoing B-Tracking project riding on
our U-Direct platform for efficient man-
agement of its liquidity.
What is life outside the banking indus-
try in Ghana like?
With the investments in infrastruc-
ture, hospitality is booming and very
attractive in Ghana; there are an
abundance of luxury hotels and rec-
reational spaces. The rate of first world
development is encouraging.
What do you do with your free time?
I attend social gatherings, especially
those that concern customers’ land-
mark events, so that we continue to
foster deep relationships. Outside of
this, it is important to spend time with
my family, and create fun and memo-
ries with them.
What is exciting about being the CEO
of UBA Ghana?
I love that as the CEO of UBA Ghana, I
am part of a Global Pan African Bank.
I am able to brainstorm with colleague
CEOs and learn from their countries,
and I am also able to lean on the
group for direction.
What are the challenges with breaking
the glass ceiling as a female banker
and what words of advice would you
give to other female bankers wishing
to do the same?
Breaking the mould of stereotyping,
remaining feminine in a male world,
earning respect from your staff – both
male and female. Male colleagues
feel superior to a woman mainly
due to the “stereotyped roles in their
homes.” And finally, balancing the
responsibilities of home and office. This
area may also be an area of stereo-
typing, when your male counterparts
feel you are not able to handle both
roles effectively or perhaps are less of
a woman, if home affairs are not your
priority.
My advice is as women, we should
focus on what matters in our jobs,
which is the goal. Where do you want
to take the bank to, your country or
your branch to; and leave the trivial
issues, opinions and stereotypes. Prove
them wrong. I learnt this as a child at
school, proving that girls can be just
as good as or better than boys, and
throughout my career. I believe that
“every challenge is your opportunity
to show your ability.”
expenditure profile, the Government
of Ghana (GOG) has recently fully
deregulated the oil and gas business in
a way that guarantees full cost recov-
ery for the operators. This has elimi-
nated the huge price under recovery
and foreign exchange loss burden of
the government and brought some
efficiency into the sector.
What is the rate of financial penetra-
tion in Ghana? Do you see any oppor-
tunities in this?
The financial penetration remains low,
with the World Bank estimating that
over 65% of the Ghanaian populace
remains unbanked. However, there
is an increase in the number of Banks
and other financial services provid-
