The appointment of Hon. Sylvester Adinam Mensah as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Export-Import Bank (GEXIM) marks a significant step towards bolstering Ghana’s export-oriented economic growth. Tasked with steering the bank’s operations in alignment with the Ghana Export-Import Bank Act 2016 (Act 991), Mensah’s primary objective is to facilitate the transformation of Ghana’s economy into a prominent player in international trade. This involves fostering trade relationships between Ghana and other nations, supporting overseas investments by Ghanaian companies, and addressing critical market gaps to enhance Ghana’s global competitiveness. Mensah’s appointment signifies the government’s commitment to leveraging GEXIM as a key instrument in achieving its vision of a sustainable and vibrant export-led economy.
Hon. Sylvester Adinam Mensah brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. His background as a seasoned finance professional and former senior banker provides a solid foundation for navigating the complexities of international trade and finance. His proficiency in public sector banking, fund management, strategic financial management, and governance further strengthens his ability to lead GEXIM effectively. Mensah’s credentials as a Fellow of the Institute of Business Consulting (FIBC), UK, and a Certified Strategy Professional underscore his commitment to best practices and innovative approaches. His proven track record of developing and implementing successful financial strategies makes him well-suited to guide GEXIM in its mission to promote Ghana’s export sector.
Mensah’s prior experience includes a significant period at Intercontinental Bank (Ghana) Ltd, where he spearheaded the development of crucial credit risk criteria and robust credit acceptance frameworks as Head of Public Sector Banking. His involvement in providing strategic investment and business advisory services to various public sector clients honed his understanding of the public sector’s unique challenges and opportunities. This experience will be invaluable in his role at GEXIM, as he works to bridge the gap between public sector needs and private sector engagement in export-oriented activities. His experience at Intercontinental Bank laid the groundwork for his future roles in public service and academia.
Beyond his banking career, Mensah has demonstrated his commitment to public service through his involvement in politics and healthcare. As a Member of Parliament for the La Dadekotopon Constituency, he gained firsthand experience in shaping public policy and advocating for his constituents. His subsequent role as Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) further showcased his leadership abilities. During his tenure at NHIA, he oversaw the management of the NHIA fund and implemented reforms to expand and enhance the efficiency of Ghana’s Health Insurance Scheme. This experience in managing a complex public health fund demonstrates his capability to handle large-scale financial operations, a crucial skill for leading GEXIM.
In addition to his professional experience, Mensah is actively engaged in academia. He currently serves as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), and an Adjunct Lecturer at the Nobel International Business School, where he contributes to the Certified Strategy Professional (CSP) program. His academic pursuits demonstrate his dedication to continuous learning and his commitment to sharing his knowledge and expertise with the next generation of business leaders. This blend of practical experience and academic engagement provides him with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Ghana’s economy.
Mensah’s educational background further solidifies his qualifications for the role. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Ghana Business School and an MBA in Finance from the University of Leicester in the UK. He has also acquired several diplomas and certificates from renowned international universities, demonstrating his commitment to broadening his knowledge and skills. Coupled with over two decades of experience in providing practical and academic instruction in Corporate Strategy, Strategic Management, and Strategy Execution, Mensah possesses the necessary financial and managerial acumen to lead GEXIM effectively. His appointment brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to the forefront of Ghana’s export-driven economic strategy.
