Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has commended the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) for its unwavering support to Ghana and other African countries, especially during times of crisis.

Speaking at the opening session of the 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meetings in Abuja, Nigeria, Mr. Ampem described the bank as a true development partner.

“The Bank has stood beside Ghana and other African countries in times of crisis and has been a pillar in our shared journey,” he stated.

He praised Afreximbank for reimagining what is possible in African trade and economic transformation, saying: “The Bank has supported small and medium enterprises, fostered industrialisation, and enhanced intra-African trade—efforts that have yielded tangible benefits.”

On Ghana’s economic transformation, Mr. Ampem highlighted Afreximbank’s strategic role in resetting the financial landscape across Africa through innovative initiatives.

“We cannot forget about the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and how it has helped dismantle barriers to cross-border trade,” he noted.

“We have seen the fruit of our labour in growing trade volumes across the continent, which has increased Africa’s participation in the global value chain.”

He added: “Afreximbank has provided African solutions to African needs—tailored, timely, and transformational.”

Mr. Ampem is also chairing the 2025 Annual Meetings of Afreximbank in Abuja.

His role includes presiding over sessions involving shareholders, culminating in the election of a new President and Board Chairman of the bank.

Addressing delegates, he called for forward-thinking discussions and decisive action:

“Let us not only reflect on what has been achieved but also imagine and design what is possible. Let our conversations be honest, and our actions be decisive.”

He expressed confidence in the outcomes of the meetings:

“I am excited about what will emerge from our engagements this week.”

One of the key highlights of the 2025 Annual Meetings will be the election of a new President and Board Chairman on Saturday, June 28.

According to JoyBusiness sources, the incoming leader will replace Professor Benedict Oramah, who has served in the role since September 21, 2015.

Prof. Oramah is expected to step down at the end of the meetings after nearly a decade at the helm.

Before becoming President, he served as Executive Vice President for Business Development and Corporate Banking from 2008, overseeing departments such as Trade Finance, Export Development, Corporate Finance, and Advisory Services.

He joined Afreximbank in 1994 as Chief Analyst and was promoted to Senior Director of Planning and Business Development in 2007.

Before joining the bank, he worked at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank as Assistant Research Manager.

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