GCB Bank PLC, Ghana’s first indigenous bank, has joined forces with the King’s College and the Faculty of History at the University of Cambridge to sponsor an authors’ conference that delved into the nation’s political economy. The two-day conference witnessed presentations by Ghanaian scholars from local and UK universities, supported by contributions from other academic institutions.
As part of GCB’s Platinum anniversary celebrations, the bank’s sponsorship of the conference aligns with its Thought Leadership programs. The conference, titled ‘Political Economy of Ghana in the Long Twentieth Century, 1891-2010’, aimed to comprehensively analyze Ghana’s political economy within the historical timeframe of regular cocoa exports in 1891 to the commencement of petroleum exports in 2010.
Distinguished scholars specializing in development studies, economics, economic history, history, and political science participated in the event. The keynote speaker, Professor Ernest Aryeetey, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, was joined by prominent figures such as Professor Gareth Austin and Dr. Kofi Adjepong-Boateng from the University of Cambridge, who presented papers on topics including the dynamics of cocoa cultivation and foundational debates on central banking in Ghana.
Scholars from various countries, including the US, South Africa, the UK, Sweden, and Germany, presented papers covering a range of themes such as the distribution of economic growth benefits, the role of female ownership in different sectors, the economic growth paradox in Ghana, and the impact of small-scale gold mining on the country.
The proceedings of the conference will be compiled for publication, forming a significant contribution to GCB’s 70th Anniversary celebrations and the advancement of banking in Ghana. The published book is anticipated to be a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, policymakers, and academics both locally and internationally.
Speaking about the sponsorship, Jude Arthur, Chairman of GCB Bank Board of Directors, highlighted the bank’s history and commitment to Ghana’s economic development. He emphasized that the collaboration with the University of Cambridge aims to shape conversations and actions related to the nation’s economy, with an eye toward continued improvements and contributions beyond the 70th anniversary celebrations.
Arthur stated, “We aim to leverage the university’s expertise, reach and resources, as well as the bank’s role as a key player in Ghana’s financial history, and our contributions and plans for the future to highlight the relevant commitments which Ghana needs in order to register a significant improvement in its development”. The collaboration reflects GCB Bank’s dedication to the country’s overall advancement.
Source : Graphic News