Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who also serves as Chairman of the Board of Governors for the Ecowas Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), has inaugurated EBID’s first regional representative office in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The new office aims to raise the bank’s profile in the region, improve project monitoring, support investment activities, and enhance cooperation among member countries.
At the inauguration ceremony, Dr. Forson emphasized that this move marks a significant shift for EBID. “Today’s inauguration is not an end, but a beginning,” he said. “It is the beginning of deeper engagement, faster implementation, and greater impact. It is the beginning of a stronger EBID — closer to its Member States and better equipped to deliver on its mandate.”
Nialé Kaba, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister for Economic Planning and Development, expressed support for opening the office in Abidjan. She highlighted that hosting EBID’s first regional office reflects Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to regional integration and shared economic development goals. She added: “It is great to know the bank is boosting its capacity to understand the realities of each country on the ground so that it can increase the impact of its programmes.”
Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, President of EBID, pointed out that this expansion holds strategic significance beyond administrative functions. “This is not merely an administrative office but a platform for deeper cooperation,” he stated. “It will serve as a bridge to link EBID’s resources and expertise with the countries involved. Our goal is to ensure every member state feels the presence and relevance of its regional bank.” He assured stakeholders that EBID would continue collaborating with member states toward sustainable development.