Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Finance Minister and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Ecowas Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), opened the bank’s first regional representative office in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The new office is expected to increase the bank’s visibility, improve project tracking, facilitate investment delivery, and strengthen member-state development cooperation.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Forson described the establishment as the start of a new and more significant period for the regional bank.
“Today’s inauguration is not an end, but a beginning, it is the beginning of deeper engagement, faster implementation, and greater impact. It is the beginning of a stronger EBID — closer to its Member States and better equipped to deliver on its mandate,” he said.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister for Economic Planning and Development Nialé Kaba welcomed the initiative, stating that the decision to set up the first regional office in Abidjan demonstrates the country’s commitment to regional integration and shared economic success.
She underlined that the physical presence of EBID will enable closer knowledge of local realities and development priorities.
“It is great to know the bank is boosting its capacity to understand the realities of each country on the ground so that it can increase the impact of its programmes,”
Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, President of EBID, emphasized the new office’s strategic significance and described it as more than a symbolic enlargement.
“This is not merely an administrative office but a platform for deeper cooperation,” he stated.
“It will serve as a bridge to link EBID’s resources and expertise with the countries involved. Our goal is to ensure every member state feels the presence and relevance of its regional bank.”
He emphasized that the bank will uphold the faith placed in its leadership and continue working with member countries to advance sustainable development.
Source: newsthemegh.com