The Chief Executive Officer of Lower Pra Rural Bank, Mr. Isaac Kwamina Afful, was honoured with a fitting send-off ceremony as he steps into his new role as the NPP parliamentary candidate for Shama.
The event occurred on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Riverside Hostel Auditorium in Shama. As part of his achievements, Mr. Afful has transformed Lower Pra Bank into one of the most respected and well-established banks in the Western Region and beyond.
He officially handed over the reins to Mr. Ernest Sackie-Otoo, the bank’s new Chief Executive Officer.
Mr. Kwamina Afful in his speech, said he has led the bank for 28 years and had worked hard to bring the bank to a higher level. He asked his successor to strive to take the bank to the highest level.
“I have set up many branches, out of the 25 branches, I have executed 17. That is to my record. When I took over, the bank was making losses and I have been able to manage the bank. Now we are amongst the best 10 banks in the country so it tells you how far I’ve taken the bank.
” Some of the properties and buildings you see are owned by the Lower Pra Rural Bank. So I have taken the bank from another level to a very higher level and I believe whoever is taking over will manage it well and continue the good work.” He said.
Mr. Afful concluded his speech by advising his successor to make sure that there is discipline among the employees in the bank and even in the course of administering their duties. He asked that discipline become the hallmark of the bank.
“Discipline has become one of the core values of Lower Pra Rural Bank. Once you compromise your discipline, then the future is broken. So my advice to my successor is that he must be very careful. He should adhere to the rules and regulations of the ITC, good corporate governance and make sure that all policies are adhered to. Once policies are adhered to, there is no problem. Anybody who flaunts any of the policies must be sanctioned severely to serve as a deterrent to others.” He advised.
The newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Lower Pra Rural Bank, Mr Ernest Sackie-Otoo, promised the people that he would continue with the Corporate Social Responsibility that his predecessor did. He asked for the support and cooperation of the employees just as he did during the administration of Mr. Afful.
“I believe that as I’m taking over the administration, we will continue with the corporate social responsibility that he left. So my assurance to Nananom is that Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, will not be an issue as we have taken over the mantle. I am going to open my doors to everyone just like how Mr. Afful used to do. I know because of Mr. Afful’s great work, it won’t be easy to wear his shoes but I believe with the help of God and, support and cooperation I will be able to wear his shoes very well, Mr. Otoo assured.
The Board Chairperson of Lower Pra Rural Bank, Ms Aba Dawood also talked about the great work Mr. Afful has done and asked that he continue to open his doors to them whenever they need him in terms of working experience, especially for the new CEO.
She wished him the best in his political journey of becoming a Member of Parliament for Shama.
She said, “No amount of words can encapsulate the sterling achievements of one gentleman. The staff of Lower Pra Rural Bank, we wish you the best of luck. Mr. Afful, we will forever love you dearly. We are grateful for the good work you have done for Lower Pra Rural Bank. We say Ayekoo.”
Madam Dawood continued, ” We ask that whenever we come knocking at your door, receive us and impact us with some of your experience, especially for the new CEO. I know Shama and its environs are dear to you, so as you are going to represent them in Parliament, represent Lower Pra Rural Bank also by channelling the money meant for women through Lower Pra Rural Bank. So that this bank can grow massively.”
The ceremony was graced by many dignitaries such as chiefs of Shama and surrounding communities, representatives from banks, churches, youth clubs and the members of NPP. Dignitaries presented farewell messages as well as gifts to Mr. Afful as he embarked on his political journey of becoming a Member of Parliament for Shama.
