Sylvester Mensah takes over as CEO of Ghana Export-Import Bank

President John Dramani Mahama has officially appointed Sylvester Adinam Mensah as the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Export-Import Bank (GEXIM), marking an important leadership shift at the financial institution.

In his new role, Mr. Mensah is tasked with leading the implementation of strategic plans that will aim to drive Ghana’s economic transformation into an export-driven economy. A key focus of his leadership will be tackling market challenges and promoting trade between Ghana and international partners. His vision aligns with the bank’s mandate as outlined in the Ghana Export-Import Bank Act of 2016 (Act 991), which aims to enhance the competitiveness of Ghanaian businesses on the global stage.

A statement issued by the bank and shared with the Ghana News Agency on Friday, January 24, described Mr. Mensah as a highly qualified individual with over 20 years of professional experience. His background combines practical and academic expertise in areas such as Corporate Strategy, Strategic Management, and Strategy Execution. The bank emphasized that his extensive experience in both the financial and managerial sectors equips him with the knowledge needed to steer GEXIM towards a more competitive global position.

Currently, Mr. Mensah is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), and also serves as an Adjunct Lecturer at the Nobel International Business School. There, he contributes his knowledge to the Certified Strategy Professional (CSP) program. His academic role further strengthens his expertise in strategy development and execution, which will be crucial for his work at GEXIM.

In addition to his academic credentials, Mr. Mensah is a seasoned finance professional with a broad skill set in public sector banking, fund management, strategic financial management, and governance. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Business Consulting (FIBC) in the United Kingdom and is also recognized as a Certified Strategy Professional. His proven track record includes successful implementation of innovative financial strategies and delivering valuable solutions for complex business challenges.

Mr. Mensah’s career has seen him hold several notable positions within the financial sector. As the Head of Public Sector Banking at Intercontinental Bank (Ghana) Ltd, he played an instrumental role in establishing effective credit risk management policies and frameworks. His leadership in this role demonstrated his ability to manage complex financial operations and drive long-term sustainability.

Further complementing his profile, Mr. Mensah’s political and administrative experience includes serving as a Member of Parliament for the La Dadekotopon Constituency. He also held the role of Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), where he led significant reforms and policies that expanded the country’s Health Insurance Scheme. Under his leadership, NHIA experienced a more efficient management structure, which enhanced its operational success.

Mr. Mensah’s academic background is just as impressive. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Ghana Business School, an MBA in Finance from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom, and has obtained several other professional diplomas and certificates from prestigious international institutions. This solid educational foundation further enhances his capacity to lead GEXIM towards achieving its goals.

His appointment is timely, as Ghana continues to face challenges in driving economic growth through exports and international trade. As CEO of GEXIM, Mr. Mensah will have a pivotal role in supporting the bank’s mission to foster an environment conducive to trade, growth, and development. With his wealth of experience, leadership skills, and strategic vision, he is expected to bring about significant changes that will positively impact Ghana’s economic landscape.

The Ghana Export-Import Bank remains a key institution in Ghana’s financial sector, particularly in driving export development and enhancing the country’s competitive advantage in the global market. Under Mr. Mensah’s leadership, it is anticipated that the bank will continue to serve as a vital tool for Ghana’s economic progress, helping to shape a brighter, more prosperous future.