Accra: The University of Ghana has won the second edition of the National Banking and Ethics Challenge (NBEC 2.0), organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Ghana, in Accra.
According to Ghana News Agency, the University of Ghana Business School scored 35 points to clinch the title, ahead of the University of Professional Studies, Accra, which placed second with 29.5 points, and the University for Development Studies, which came third with 26.5 points. The keenly contested grand finale, held at the Institute's auditorium, attracted students, faculty members, and key players in Ghana's banking industry.
The competition, held on the theme: 'Developing Trusted Professionals,' aimed to strengthen ethical standards and professional competence among future banking practitioners. NBEC 2.0 recorded significant growth, with 12 universities participating, more than double the five institutions that took part in the maiden edition in May 2025.
Participating institutions included the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Cape Coast, University of Education, Winneba, Central University, Academic City University College, Wisconsin International University College, All Nations University, Pentecost University College, University of Professional Studies, Accra, University for Development Studies, and the University of Ghana. The competition progressed through preliminary and semi-final stages before culminating in the grand finale.
Mr Benjamin Amenumey, President of the Institute, described the challenge as a strategic initiative to prepare students for the evolving demands of the banking sector. He said the future of banking depended on professionals who were ethically grounded, intellectually capable, and adaptable to a rapidly changing global environment. Mr Amenumey noted that innovation in the financial sector required sound judgement, accountability, and integrity to sustain trust, adding that the increasing number of participating institutions reflected the growing relevance of the challenge.
'Every contestant who participated is a winner in terms of knowledge gained, experience acquired, and networks built,' he said. The Institute announced a range of benefits for participants, including internship opportunities offered by GCB Bank to all contestants. Participants who enrol in the Chartered Banker Programme would receive a 100 per cent waiver on registration fees, while non-contestant attendees would benefit from a 50 per cent waiver. A mentorship corner was also created to provide career guidance and professional counselling for students during the event.
Mr Robert Dzato, Chief Executive Officer of the Institute, said the challenge aligned with its mandate under the Chartered Bankers Act, 2019 (Act 911). He said the initiative sought to develop trusted professionals, promote financial literacy, enhance public education, and support the re-professionalisation of the banking sector. Mr Dzato said trust remained the cornerstone of banking, noting that ethical conduct and character were critical to sustaining confidence in the financial system. He said the challenge was relevant to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Four on quality education.
Mr Dzato announced plans to expand the competition in future editions, including the introduction of regional participation zones and new subject areas such as digital assets and non-performing loans. He said the Institute's long-term vision was to become Africa's most relevant professional body for banking education. Mr Clifford Duke Mettle, a former President of the Institute, urged students to apply the knowledge acquired and serve as ambassadors of financial literacy in their communities. He said banking was a profession that demanded responsibility and integrity, stressing that public trust must be earned and maintained.
NBEC 2.0 tested contestants on a wide range of topics, including banking operations, fraud prevention, digital finance, cybersecurity, and environmental, social and governance principles.