ACI Ghana – Financial Markets Association has organised its 2024 Dinner, Awards, and Handing Over Night, reflecting on the association’s achievements and outlining its vision for the future.
Held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra on Saturday, January 25, 2025, the event convened key stakeholders, including regulators from Ghana’s financial markets industry, for a night of celebration, networking, and recognition of excellence.
A significant highlight was the resounding endorsement of the association’s executive team for a second term, with Lawrence Osilaja Boampong continuing as President, Maame Adjoa Thompson as Vice President, Stephen Biritwum as General Secretary, and Steve Hasford Quansah as Treasurer. Joining the leadership team is Ernestina Mensah, who succeeds Marian Nyamekye-Boamah as Organising Secretary.
Addressing the distinguished audience of regulators, stakeholders, and members, President of ACI-Ghana, Lawrence Osilaja Boampong celebrated the strides made under his leadership and rallied support for ACI Ghana’s continued growth.
“Tonight, we’re not just celebrating another year; we’re celebrating progress, collaboration, and the bright future of ACI Ghana,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to members, sponsors, and regulators for their unwavering support and commended his executive team for their resilience and dedication.
Reflecting on his first term, Mr. Boampong noted that the past two years were marked by both challenges and achievements. “At the start of our journey in 2023, we knew that a single tree does not make a forest. Today, I can confidently say that ACI Ghana has become a brand we are all proud of,” he remarked.
Among the association’s milestones was the induction of 100 new entrants into the financial markets, a testament to ACI Ghana’s commitment to professional development. Mr. Boampong also highlighted the success of the inaugural Financial Markets Conference, which he described as a groundbreaking platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration, hinting at hosting a maiden ACI World Congress.
“What was once considered an ambitious promise has become a reality, and now we are on the verge of hosting the first-ever ACI World Congress in Africa,” he said.
Mr. Boampong also praised the association’s active participation in the ACI World Congress in Singapore, which offered valuable lessons and networking opportunities while encouraging members to seize the chance to represent Ghana at the upcoming World Congress in Paris, which coincides with ACI Global’s 70th anniversary.
He reiterated ACI Ghana’s commitment to upholding ethical conduct, fostering professional development, and strengthening both local and international partnerships to enhance Ghana’s financial markets.
“The journey is far from over. In the years ahead, we aim to create more opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and innovation, but we cannot do this alone. I urge all of you to actively participate in our activities and bring your expertise to bear on the development of our markets,” he stated.
Awards
The evening also celebrated excellence within the financial community through awards recognising outstanding members and institutions.
Kofi Koduah-Sarpong of Sarpong Capital was named the Most Interactive Member, while Ronald Mensah from Stanbic Bank was honoured as the Best Institutional Representative. The ALM Staff of the Year award went to Nii Amartey Amarteifio of Fidelity Bank Ghana Limited, and the Back Office Staff of the Year award was presented to Kellie Tamakloe of First National Bank.
The Best Institution in Market Intelligence award was given to Black Star Group, and GCB Bank PLC was recognised as the FI Institution of the Year (Bank). Fincap Securities was awarded FI Institution of the Year (Broker), while Samuel Freitas from ABSA Bank Ghana was named FI Sales Dealer of the Year. Bertrand Boosung Baazeng, also from ABSA Bank Ghana, received the FI Trader of the Year award.
In the FX categories, Edna Nyarko Boateng of JUBA won FX Sales Dealer of the Year, and Samuel Forson from GCB Bank PLC took home FX Trader of the Year. Nicholas Tawiah of First National Bank also earned the FX Trader of the Year distinction.
Kenneth Aristo-Aryee of GCB Bank PLC was recognised as Middle Office Staff of the Year, while Amorina Raad of Home Style Realty was named Best Dressed Female, and Stephen Amugyah from GCB Bank PLC was awarded Best Dressed Male.
President Boampong congratulated the winners, describing them as “the embodiment of the values ACI Ghana stands for.”
