Access Bank Ghana appoints Pearl Nkrumah as first female MD

By InstinctBusiness Sep 26, 20250

Access Bank (Ghana) Plc has announced the appointment of seasoned banker Pearl Nkrumah as its new Managing Director, effective Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

The decision, approved by the bank’s Board of Directors and the Bank of Ghana in compliance with regulatory standards, marks a historic milestone, making Ms. Nkrumah the first female MD since the bank’s inception in Ghana.

Ms. Nkrumah succeeds Olumide Olatunji, who has steered the bank since 2018 and will now transition to a new executive role within the parent company, Access Bank PLC, in Nigeria. Her appointment underscores a significant leadership shift as the bank aims to build on its established success.

With a robust 27-year career in banking and financial services, Ms. Nkrumah joined Access Bank as Executive Director in 2022, where she served as Executive Director for Retail & Digital Banking in Ghana and Head of Retail Business for Access Africa subsidiaries across 15 markets, excluding Nigeria.

Previously, she held the prestigious role of Chairperson of the Council of the Ghana Stock Exchange, representing listed companies. Her career began at Standard Chartered Bank (1998–2012), followed by leadership positions at Stanbic Bank (2012–2022) in commercial and business banking.

Bringing expertise in retail and transactional banking, commercial banking, risk management, and digital transformation, Ms. Nkrumah is poised to drive the bank’s strategic growth. Ama Bawuah, Chairperson of Access Bank (Ghana) Plc’s Board, praised the appointment, noting, “Having worked alongside Pearl on the local board for three years, her selection reflects our commitment to diversity and her proven leadership capabilities. We are confident she will lead the bank into its next phase of growth, building on Olumide’s successes.” Stakeholders are eager to see how her vision will shape Access Bank’s future in Ghana’s competitive financial landscape.