Speakers

H.E John Dramani Mahama

The President Republic of Ghana

A statesman whose public service spans every major level of national leadership—from Member of Parliament and Minister for Communications to Vice President and President. He previously served as President from January 2013 to January 2017 and, following victory in the December 2024 elections, returned to office for a non-consecutive second term. His profile combines a strong interest in history, communications, and social development with experience in large-scale infrastructure delivery and social equity initiatives, including efforts that advanced opportunities for girls and women. Internationally, he has played prominent roles in regional cooperation and trade, including leadership positions linked to ECOWAS and the foundations of the African Continental Free Trade Area. At GEXIM@10, he brings a high-level perspective on governance, integration, and inclusive growth

Hon. Sylvester Adinam Mensah

Chief Executive Officer Ghana Export-Import Bank

A senior banking and public-sector leader with 25 years’ experience spanning development finance, economic policy, and institutional governance. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Export-Import Bank, where he focuses on using targeted financing to accelerate industrial growth and expand regional trade. Previously, he led public-sector banking portfolios at Intercontinental Bank (Ghana) Ltd and headed major national reforms as Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority, translating complex policy mandates into measurable institutional outcomes. His experience as a former Member of Parliament of Ghana adds strong stakeholder-management and governance depth. He holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Leicester and complements his academic training with strategy credentials and consulting fellowship. He also contributes to leadership and oversight through board and council roles and prior university lecturing, reflecting a balanced profile of execution, policy insight, and strategic discipline.

Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson

Minister of Finacne Republic of Ghana

A leading Ghanaian economist, chartered accountant, and tax practitioner with over 20 years of experience spanning public service and the private sector. A Member of Parliament since 2009, he has held senior parliamentary leadership roles and previously served as Deputy Minister for Finance (2013–2017), overseeing budget implementation, debt management, and tax policy. He is Oxford-trained in taxation and holds advanced degrees in economics and finance, alongside professional fellowships in Ghana’s tax and accounting bodies. Known for his work on fiscal reform—including contributions to Ghana’s Public Financial Management Act—and for supporting international financing discussions, he brings practical insight into economic governance and reform.

Elisabeth Adjare

Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Republic of Ghana

A versatile corporate leader whose career bridges central and retail banking, strategic communications, reputation management, stakeholder relations, and journalism. In her current role as a deputy governor at the Bank of Ghana, she brings her extensive experience to bear on Ghana's macroeconomic management. She led a wide retail portfolio spanning individual customers, SMEs, high-net-worth clients, consumer finance, and bancassurance. She is especially recognized for driving women-focused financial inclusion strategy—the W Initiative—which earned international recognition, including The Banker Magazine’s Global Financial Inclusion Award (2020). Her earlier leadership in corporate communications helped strengthen stakeholder trust and community investment, contributing to multiple CSR and sustainability awards for the bank. With a background in journalism and consulting for organizations such as the World Bank and DFID, she offers a compelling mix of financial-sector expertise and clear public-facing communication—highly relevant to conversations on macroeconomic stability, inclusion, leadership, and impact.

Dr. Johnson Asiamah

Governor, Bank of Ghana Ghana

An accomplished economist with over 23 years of service at the Bank of Ghana, bringing deep institutional knowledge and a strong research foundation to his leadership. He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Southampton (UK) and is widely experienced in monetary policy design, financial sector regulation, and macroeconomic analysis. Having previously served as Second Deputy Governor (2016–2017), he offers a seasoned perspective on how central banks safeguard stability while supporting sustainable growth. At GEXIM@10, Dr. Asiamah’s contribution is especially relevant to discussions on financial resilience, policy credibility, and the macroeconomic conditions that enable trade and investment to thrive.

Dr. Joseph Nyakotei Dorh

Board Chair Ghana Export-Import Bank

A seasoned insurance and financial services leader with over two decades of industry experience and a strong track record in executive management and board governance. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Ghana Export-Import Bank and is the Managing Director of Prime Insurance Company Limited, where he provides strategic direction and oversees overall performance. His career spans a wide range of technical and leadership roles in non-life insurance, including prior responsibility for broker relations at Star Assurance Company Limited and earlier experience at Enterprise Insurance Company Limited. Before entering industry, he also taught Mathematics and General Science at Accra Academy. Academically, he holds a Doctorate in Business Administration (Leadership and Organizational Behaviour) from the Swiss Business School, a Master’s in Finance from Central University, and a BSc in Mathematics from the University of Cape Coast, alongside professional insurance training—underscoring a profile that blends technical expertise, leadership, and governance.

Francis Kojo Kwarteng Arthur

Chief Executive Officer Ghana Export Promotion Authority

A seasoned legal practitioner with over a decade of experience across constitutional, corporate, and family law, alongside a track record of public service and national policy engagement. Called to the Bar in 2011, he has held influential roles, including President’s Representative on the National Media Commission (2012–2017), Acting Director of the Information Services Department (2015–2016), and Presidential Staffer (2013–2017). He is also known for principled legal advocacy on key national issues, reflecting a strong commitment to regulatory transparency and citizens’ rights. As CEO of GEPA, he is focused on expanding Ghana’s export footprint—strengthening support for exporters, improving trade facilitation, and building partnerships that open new markets for Ghanaian products globally

Mr. Goosie Tanoh

Presidential Advisor on 24H+ Economy Policy The Presidency, Ghana

A public policy and governance practitioner focused on Ghana’s political economy, institutional reform, and private-sector development. Often known as “Goosie Tanoh,” he plays a leadership role within the 24 Hour Secretariat, contributing strategic thinking on how state capability, trade policy, and finance can strengthen export competitiveness and industrial growth. His work emphasizes value addition, domestic enterprise development, and the design of coherent trade and financing frameworks that enable inclusive growth. At the conference, he brings a practical perspective on building effective institutions, improving the trade finance ecosystem, and aligning public policy with private-sector innovation in an evolving global trade environment.

Dr. Fatima Farouk Elsheikh

Secretary General, BADEA Boards of Governors and Directors at Arab Bank for Economic Development, Africa

A Secretary General to the Boards of Governors and Directors at Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), bringing over 23 years of experience in international humanitarian and development work. Before joining BADEA, she served as Resident Representative for United Nations Development Programme in Djibouti, where she was awarded the National Medal of Honour by the President in recognition of her leadership in advancing inclusion and sustainable development. Her earlier roles include UNDP Chief Technical Advisor on sustainable development to the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste and Head of the Poverty Unit in Sudan. A recognized contributor to youth employment and sustainability, she holds a medical degree from Ahfad University for Women, a master’s in Genetic Epidemiology from Erasmus University Rotterdam, and professional training in development policy advisory through a UNDP–Columbia University programme.

Mrs. Abena Osei-Poku.jpg

Managing Director of Ecobank Ghana and Regional Executive for Anglophone West Africa Ecobank, Ghana

She oversees operations of Ecobank across Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia. A banking leader with over 25 years of experience, she previously served as Managing Director/CEO of Absa Bank Ghana (2018–2023) and has held senior roles within Absa Group Limited and Standard Chartered Bank Ghana. She is known for driving corporate and investment banking strategy, with a focus on digital growth, sound risk management, and strong governance. She also brings wide board and industry leadership experience, including serving as Chairperson of the Ghana Stock Exchange, and contributing to sector development through national banking and professional bodies. She holds an MBA from Alliance Manchester Business School and a BA from University of Ghana, and is fluent in English with working knowledge of French.