The third edition of the National Financial Awareness and Financial Literacy Conference 2025, held under the compelling theme “Building Wealth, Changing Lives; Strengthening Communities through Personal and Business Financial Education”, brought together thought leaders, policymakers, financial professionals, educators, studenta and the media to spark action and strengthen collaboration for a financially literate and inclusive Ghana. Hosted by the Center for Financial Literacy Education Africa (CFLE Africa), the conference delivered powerful insights, impactful stories, and actionable strategies to drive financial empowerment across the nation and the continent.
Keynote Address by Mr. John Awuah: Championing Systemic Financial Transformation
Mr. John Awuah, CEO of the Ghana Association of Banks and the Advisory Board Chairman of the Center for Financial Literacy Education Africa, delivered a compelling keynote address that set the tone for the day. Emphasizing the urgency of cultivating financial literacy as a national development tool, he underscored the role of banks in making financial education an institutional priority. “Financial literacy is not a luxury; it is a foundational necessity,” he stated. Mr. Awuah also called for a harmonized national strategy where financial institutions, schools, regulators, and the media work together to drive impactful financial awareness initiatives that touch every Ghanaian household.
Thought Leadership by Mr. Eric Boachie Yiadom: Evidence-Based Solutions for Financial Education
Renowned Financial Economist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, Mr. Eric Boachie Yiadom, brought deep research-based insights into the current state of financial literacy in Ghana. He presented startling statistics that revealed financial literacy gaps across income levels, age groups, and geographic regions. His keynote challenged institutions, particulary commending and calling on the Ghana Association of Banks to go beyond awareness campaigns and integrate financial education into national curricula and local governance systems. He also highlighted the power of behavioral economics in shaping financially responsible citizens and businesses.
CFLE Africa: Impact and Growth Presentation by Executive Director, Peter Asare Nyarko
Peter Asare Nyarko, Executive Director of CFLE Africa, delivered an inspiring presentation showcasing the Center’s expansive growth and impact in Ghana and across Africa. He outlined key milestones, including:
• Reaching over 12 million individuals since 2018 through direct training, community workshops, media campaigns, schools outreach and digital outreach.
• Strategic partnerships with schools, financial institutions, and government bodies.
• The successful rollout of localized financial education toolkits and programs for youth, women entrepreneurs, farmers, and MSMEs.
Nyarko reaffirmed CFLE Africa’s commitment to building a financially literate Ghana and continent and called for an all inclusive effort and collaborations to expand financial literacy initiatives.
Panel Discussion I: The Role of Financial Institutions and Regulatory Bodies
This panel moderated by a renowned Business Journalist, Daryl Kwawu brought together thought leaders and industry experts such as Mr. Reindolf Annor, Senior Partner – KPMG Ghana Accounting & Advisory Services, Mr. Gilbert Addo, Senior Manager – Deloitte West Africa and Madam Ramat Ebella Whajah, Banking Executive and Zonal Head of National Investment Bank, Accra-Tema Sector and an Advisory Board Member of CFLE Africa.
The conversation centered around how regulatory bodies and financial institutions can better collaborate to enhance financial literacy to help build wealth while strenthening and sustaining communities. Key highlights included:
• The regulatory bodies must be intentional in developing frameworks that works
• Emphasis on consumer protection and transparency in product offerings.
• Importance of public-private partnerships to scale national awareness campaigns.
- Banks and other financial institutions must prioritize consumer education and comnunity outreaches
Panel Discussion II: The Role of Academia in Financial Education
Academics and education policymakers discussed how educational institutions can serve as engines for financial empowerment. Moderated by Ms. Ohenewaa Brown, a communication and PR professional, with panelists being Professor Enoch Opoku Antwi, Dean of Business, Entrepreneurship and Communication Arts – Academic City University, Professor Paul Adjei Onyinah, Associate Professor of Economics – Pentecost University and Dr. Eric Boachie Yiadom, Senior Lecturer – University of Professional Studies, Accra emphasized:
• Integrating financial literacy into formal education from basic through tertiary levels.
• Establishing financial education research centers in universities to generate local data and insights.
• Collaborating with practitioners to develop practical, culturally relevant financial education content.
• Promoting student-led financial literacy clubs and entrepreneurship hubs across campuses.
Other speakers were Mimi Anane Appiah, Seyram Aku Ofori-Attah, Gifty Annan Boatemaa. MCeed by Ebenezer Asumang.
A Unified Call to Action
The National Financial Awareness and Financial Literacy Conference 2025 concluded with a strong call to action: to embed financial education into the DNA of Ghana’s development agenda. Stakeholders were urged to form a national coalition on financial literacy to align strategies, pool resources, and share best practices.
As the applause echoed through the conference halls, one thing became clear: Ghana is not only talking about financial literacy; it is leading a movement to change lives, build wealth, and strengthen communities: one financially empowered citizen at a time.