Standard Chartered Ghana threw a party on Thursday night, but the real story was a relationship that's lasted longer than most marriages. The bank hosted an exclusive client dinner in Accra to mark 130 years since it first opened its doors in the Gold Coast in 1896. And in a room full of business leaders and regulators, one guest stood out: Mr Akwei, whose connection to the bank spans 75 years.
The evening, held under the theme “130 Years of Heritage to Power Your Ambitions,” brought together clients, former and current board members, and key stakeholders. The Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Mrs Matilda Asante-Asiedu, attended as Guest of Honour. Her presence underlined how seriously the central bank takes the role of strong financial institutions in national development.
Standard Chartered’s CEO and Managing Director in Ghana, Xorse Godzi, used the occasion to trace the bank’s journey through the country’s economic phases. From trade and infrastructure to manufacturing, agriculture, oil and gas, capital markets, and now digital transformation and cross-border banking, the bank has been around for every major shift. Godzi described the anniversary as a chance to honour the trust and partnerships that've shaped the bank’s story.
“Ghana remains an important market in Standard Chartered’s Africa network. We continue to see demand across trade finance, supply-chain finance, infrastructure-related financing and wealth solutions, and we believe Ghana is well placed to capture new forms of investment and capital formation as its economy develops,” said Dalu Ajene, Africa CEO and Head of Coverage.
The highlight of the night was a showcase tracing the bank’s 130-year journey in Ghana. It chronicled contributions to the country’s economic development and financial sector evolution. Guests also watched goodwill messages from clients and stakeholders, reminding everyone that the bank’s success is built on generations of trusted partnerships.
The bank recognised several long-standing client relationships spanning decades. Mr Akwei’s 75-year relationship was the most striking example of the trust and continuity that define Standard Chartered’s business in Ghana. The recognition served as a reminder that beyond transactions, enduring relationships are at the heart of the bank’s operations.
Beyond the commercial side, the evening also highlighted Standard Chartered’s social impact. A showcase of community initiatives showed efforts to expand economic inclusion, support entrepreneurship, empower women-led businesses, advance employability among young people, and create pathways for underserved communities.
Looking ahead, the bank says it'll remain relentlessly client-centred while using its global network to connect Ghanaian businesses and investors to international opportunities. As Ghana continues its growth journey, Standard Chartered says it's focused on supporting trade, investment, innovation, wealth creation, and the future of banking.
For 130 years, Standard Chartered has been part of Ghana’s story. The anniversary wasn't just a celebration of longevity but a reaffirmation of the relationships that've powered the bank’s journey — relationships that, as the evening showed, can last three-quarters of a century.