Stanbic Bank executive Barbara Dede Ama Okai-Tettey has called for a fundamental shift in how Ghanaian institutions approach risk management. She stated that organisations must intentionally build resilience by design, moving beyond traditional controls and policies.
Ms. Okai-Tettey, Head of Business Enablement, Business and Commercial Banking at Stanbic Bank LTD, delivered this message at Risk Summit 2026. She argued that true resilience comes from quality thinking long before disruptions occur, not just reacting to crises. This proactive stance is crucial for businesses operating in an increasingly volatile global landscape.
This perspective aligns with Ghana's broader economic stability goals, where robust institutions are vital for attracting investment and fostering sustainable growth. The Bank of Ghana, for instance, continually stresses the importance of strong governance in the financial sector. Building resilient institutions helps mitigate the impact of global economic shocks, such as currency fluctuations or commodity price volatility, which have historically affected Ghana's economy.
“Institutional resilience is not built in the middle of a crisis,” Ms. Okai-Tettey stated. “It is cultivated through deliberate leadership, strong governance and a culture that encourages curiosity, constructive challenge and disciplined decision-making.” She added that the future belongs to institutions that think beyond risk, not those that eliminate every risk.
The implications for Ghanaian businesses are significant. Companies must invest in leadership development and foster cultures that value critical thinking and adaptability. This strategic investment will enable them to navigate complex challenges like cyber threats, climate change, and economic uncertainty more effectively. Decision-makers and markets will closely watch how institutions adopt these principles to ensure long-term viability.
Ms. Okai-Tettey explained that many organisations mistakenly equate resilience with stronger controls and increased regulatory compliance. While these elements are essential for effective governance, they represent only part of the solution. She stressed that policies and controls do not make decisions; people do. Therefore, the quality of leadership and institutional culture ultimately determines resilience.
She further noted that major crises rarely create new weaknesses. Instead, they expose existing vulnerabilities within institutions that have remained unaddressed. Whether facing a cyberattack, financial crime, or economic disruption, crises often reveal flaws in governance, decision-making, or organisational culture. Building resilience requires identifying and addressing these weaknesses proactively, before they become points of failure.
Ms. Okai-Tettey emphasised that resilience is a shared organisational responsibility, not solely the domain of risk or compliance departments. The role of risk professionals is evolving, she said. They must now help organisations navigate uncertainty by balancing opportunity with accountability. This approach aims to enable sustainable business outcomes, fostering innovation rather than creating barriers to progress.
She called for a shift in organisational culture, encouraging leaders to create environments where employees feel empowered. This empowerment includes questioning assumptions, challenging established thinking, and contributing new ideas. Ms. Okai-Tettey observed that the strongest institutions welcome constructive challenge and value diverse perspectives, addressing difficult conversations before they become unavoidable decisions.
Organisations must also ensure their governance frameworks evolve with the changing operating environment. As technology advances, stakeholder expectations shift, and global risks become interconnected, governance cannot remain static. Institutions must continually strengthen their systems, capabilities, and leadership to remain resilient in the face of future uncertainty. This continuous adaptation is key for sustained success.
Concluding her address, Ms. Okai-Tettey urged organisations to view resilience as a long-term strategic investment. This investment extends beyond mere risk mitigation to building overall institutional capability. She stated that success is not measured by the absence of challenges. Instead, it is measured by the quality of the solutions institutions create. Every decision and constructive challenge contributes to building stronger institutions.