The Ghana Association of Banks (GAB) has strongly condemned an incident where a Member of Parliament allegedly confronted bank staff on July 10, 2026. This incident occurred during a two-day national clean-up exercise. GAB asserts that the MP's actions undermined the integrity of their member bank's employees.
The GAB statement detailed that Theresa Lardi Awuni, the Member of Parliament for Okaikwei North, entered a member bank's branch. She reportedly forced her way into the manager's office. Ms. Awuni then allegedly confronted staff and used demeaning terms towards an employee involved in the clean-up. The MP's concerns reportedly stemmed from the branch's decision to remain open during the exercise.
This incident comes at a time when essential services, including banking, play a crucial role in Ghana's economic stability. Ghanaian banks are significant taxpayers. They are also vital for facilitating trade, investment, and daily transactions across the nation. Such confrontations could disrupt public trust in both financial institutions and government directives for national exercises.
“We will not tolerate any such acts of intimidation and use of abusive language on staff of our member banks by anyone or group of people,” the GAB stated. The association emphasised that banks are classified as essential service providers. This classification allows them to remain open during such national exercises. Despite this, bank staff actively participated in the clean-up. This participation was in line with GAB directives and the President's call to action.
Going forward, this incident underscores the need for clearer communication between public officials and essential service providers. The GAB has called for more measured and constructive engagement for matters of public interest. They remain open to further dialogue with Parliament and all relevant state institutions. This commitment aims to promote the wellbeing of the Ghanaian economy and its citizens. Member banks will continue their commitment to complying with government directives while serving the nation's banking needs responsibily.