The Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIB) Ghana at the weekend embarked on a health walk to sensitize its members on the need to adopt healthy lifestyles.
The five kilometres walk which was led by members of the Council, Associates, Management and members of the CIB brought together about 150 participants.
The Chief Executive Officer of CIB Anthony Oppong, mentioned that a healthy mind lies in a healthy body and that it is important for banks to undertake occasional health walks to become healthier.
Addressing the participants, Mr. Oppong described banking as a stressful job and advised bankers to make physical exercise a priority.
This, he said will contribute to the reduction of certain illnesses such as back ache, joint pains and others. Mr. Oppong stressed the need for monthly check-ups and regular exercises in order to maintain good health. Participants were taken through some aerobics exercises.
In an interview, he further disclosed that the Institute will introduce its Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programme next year to foster a commitment to lifelong learning among its members.
He encouraged all members to develop their knowledge and skills throughout their careers to ensure that they remain professionally competent and be able to provide high quality services to customers, employers and other stakeholders.
He also encouraged participants to fully participate in its National Bankers’ Conference which will be held on November 28, 2018 at the Accra International Conference Centre on the theme “Building a Sustainable and Robust Banking System”.
Touching on the 2018 budget, he welcomed government’s decision to stimulate growth of the economy through job creation, investment in infrastructure development, the Free SHS policy, and the consolidation of the banking industry and the development of the agricultural sector.
He was however, quick to add that much as the 2018 budget is considered to be a well-rounded and disciplined budget, government should focus attention on increased revenue mobilization, and reduce its spending in order to achieve its fiscal deficit target of 4.5% of GDP to boost investor confidence in the economy.
At the same time, he urged the government to improve the macroeconomic fundamentals so that banks can reduce the cost of lending.
He commended members for participating in the exercise, adding that this would make them more relaxed and enable them to work better. Members who participated in the walk expressed gratitude to management and expressed the hope that more of such health walks should be organised in future.
Source: Ghana/StarrFMonline.com/103.5FM
