Jobs/Appointments
Banking, Real Estate Executives Undergo Training
By Roger A. Agana
After decades of efforts, a standard document to regulate the activities of the building and construction industry in Ghana has been instituted.
The comprehensive Building Code, GS1207 of 2018, encompasses requirements and recommendations for efficiency and standards for Residential and Non-Residential buildings and as well cover planning, management and practices in the construction of buildings.
The document also covers the smooth and safe operation of the building and construction industry such as Occupancy Classification and Use, Site Development and Land Use, General Building Heights and Areas. It also includes types of Construction, Fire and Smoke Protection Features, Interior Furnishes, Energy efficiency and Sustainability, Soils and Foundations, Electrical Systems and Allied Installations, Plumbing Systems, Lift and Conveying Systems, Safeguards during Construction and Green Building Requirements.
In the backdrop of setting standards to ensure that Ghana’s building environment is safe and meets international standards, Stanbic Bank has signed an MOU with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, to train 18 staff of Stanbic Bank as certified Edge Experts, to support developers to be able to go green.
According to Mr Stanislaus Deh, head of product personal and business banking at Stanbic Bank Ghana, in an interview with Newsghana.com.gh at the training, on Thursday February 28, 2019, at the World Bank Office in Accra, he said, “What we are doing as a bank in spearheading this project is to make sure that every project that we finance, that is building, we go green with the people.”
“And the good thing is that, when you go green, it benefits you, it increases your profile, it prepares you for the regulations that are going to hit us very soon from 2020,” he added.
In an answer to the question, as to whether the people will be willing to adopt green buildings, he said, “For me, a lot of people will be more than willing to adopt it. What we have to do to scale up more now is together with the international community educate people quickly, so they know why we are doing what we are doing now.”
Mr Deh, expatiated that, the Sustainable Principles Committee of Ghana, has for the past three years been developing the sustainable principles for the banks. Saying, “Basically, like we all know that sustainability has got to do with meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising that of the future. So, looking at the fact that, in the past three years we as a world have agreed to deal with climate change. The country as a whole is doing what they can do to deal with mitigation and adoption.”
According to him, one of the low hanging fruits when it comes to climate change has to do with the issue of green buildings and built environments. “So for us in Stanbic Bank, apart from the Ghana Home Loans, we are one of the biggest in terms of providing built environments for the country. So, as the team in Stanbic, we thought that it is time to lead the crusade for green buildings with energy efficiency, water efficiency, and making sure that material embodiments are also good to be yoked with the regulations for the buildings to be certified as green.”
On his part in an interview, Mr Dennis Papa Odenyi Quansah, Program Lead for IFC EDGE Green Building Market Transformation Program in Ghana and Nigeria, explained that, “It is important to invest in green buildings, because it will minimize the use of water and electricity in buildings.
Green building structures are energy efficient, environmentally friendly and use resources wisely as well.”
He said, it wasn’t for nothing that the government of Ghana instituted the Ghana Building Code. That it was set up to champion efficient usage of scarce resources including energy and water
According to him, Green building is a step in the right direction towards conserving global energy because, energy consumption is predicted to grow by 37% by 2035 and 96% of this expected growth will be attributable to developing nations. Mr Quansah said, there is the need for green construction which offers a chance to secure emission cuts at a low cost.
A section of the trainees commended the authorities of Stanbic Bank and IFC, for the great opportunity to train them as certified Edge Experts, to support developers to be able to go green. They however called for more of such trainings in order to get more experts to help in the education.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The board of Fortis Global Insurance Plc has been strengthened with two new additions, with Mr Umar Faruk Umar appointed as an independent non-executive director and Mr Ufuoma Ibru as a non-executive director.
A statement signed by the company secretary, Ms Halima Jimada, disclosed that the appointments followed the approval of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), an agency that regulates the insurance sector in Nigeria.
The board expressed optimism that the new directors will bring their wealth of experience to bear in driving the growth and expansion of the business, and that the company will be further strengthened by their valuable contributions.
Mr Umar is an accomplished educationist, public servant and corporate director with over 40 years of professional experience, including over 30 years of board and corporate governance experience.
He holds a PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Wisconsin, USA. He has also undertaken executive education and corporate governance programmes at Harvard University, Stanford University and INSEAD.
He has held senior positions in the public and private sectors and previously served on the boards of Ashaka Cement Plc, CCNN Plc and NAHCO Plc, where he chaired and served on various board committees, including Audit, Risk Management, Governance, Finance and Establishment.
He currently serves on the Boards of GTL Registrars Limited and the Nigerian Capital Market Development Fund. His extensive experience in corporate governance, risk management, finance and strategic oversight will bring significant value to the Board in his capacity as an independent non-executive director.
On his part, Mr Ibru is a legal practitioner and an experienced non-executive director with extensive professional and board experience in the hospitality, tourism and financial services sectors. He has served on the boards of Ikeja Hotel Plc, The Tourist Company of Nigeria Plc and Icon Stockbrokers Limited.
He holds a Bachelor of Law from the University of Oxford, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2003. He also holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronic Engineering from the University of London.
Mr Ibru has significant experience in corporate governance, strategic management, legal and regulatory matters, investment transactions and stakeholder engagement.
He brings to the board a strong combination of legal, commercial and corporate governance expertise, which will support the effective discharge of his responsibilities as a non-executive director.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Heirs Life Assurance, a specialist life insurance company owned by Nigerian business mogul, Mr Tony Elumelu, has appointed Pastor Jerry Eze as an Independent Non-Executive Director on its Board, effective August 10, 2026.
The appointment reinforces Heirs Life Assurance’s commitment to expanding financial inclusion and accelerating insurance adoption by strengthening public trust, consumer education, and long-term financial resilience across Nigeria.
Nigeria, despite being Africa’s largest economy, continues to record insurance penetration of less than one per cent, ranking among the lowest globally and underscoring the need to deepen financial protection and strengthen public confidence in insurance. As Heirs Life advances its goal of making insurance more accessible to Nigerians, the appointment of the preacher is expected to bring valuable insight in community engagement, values-driven leadership and initiatives with wider social impact.
Pastor Jerry Eze is the Founder and Lead Pastor of Streams of Joy International Ministry, a growing multinational ministry with 34 branches across West Africa, Southern Africa, Europe and North America. He is also the convener of the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declaration (NSPPD), one of the world’s largest digital prayer platforms, reaching millions of people daily. Through his ministry and humanitarian initiatives, he is regarded as one of Africa’s most influential voices, championing hope, compassion, and community transformation.
Beyond ministry, the clergyman is the Founder of the Jerry Eze Foundation, a faith-led philanthropy where he provides housing support and grants to vulnerable and underserved communities.
In 2026, he announced N1 billion in grants to support young entrepreneurs across agriculture, technology, and manufacturing, further advancing enterprise development and economic opportunity.
Before entering full-time ministry, Pastor Jerry Eze built a career in development communications, serving as a Communications Specialist on a World Bank HIV/AIDS programme and with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). He holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and International Relations from Abia State University and a postgraduate degree in Business Administration from Enugu State University of Science and Technology.
Speaking about the appointment, Mr Elumelu, Chairman, Heirs Life Assurance, said, “Pastor Jerry brings an exceptional combination of integrity, influence, and a deep understanding of people and communities. As we continue our mission to democratise access to insurance, his insight will help strengthen consumer trust, deepen financial inclusion, and reinforce our commitment to protecting the financial future of millions of Nigerians. We are delighted to welcome him to the Board of Heirs Life Assurance and the broader family of Heirs Insurance Group.”
Commenting on his appointment, Pastor Jerry Eze said, “I am honoured to join the Board of Heirs Life Assurance at a defining moment for the insurance industry. Financial security empowers individuals, families, and businesses to pursue their aspirations with greater confidence and resilience. I look forward to working with the Board and Management to advance the company’s mission of making insurance more accessible, relevant, and impactful for every Nigerian.”
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The conclusion of the 2025 Performance Appraisal Exercise of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has resulted in the promotion and step increments of about 1,126 employees of the organisation.
The reward for performance involved the promotion of 547 employees and 579 step increments, reaffirming the company’s unwavering commitment to recognising excellence, rewarding performance and building one of Africa’s most admired workplaces.
AEDC disclosed that these actions reflect its deliberate investment in its people as the energy firm accelerates its transformation into a customer-centric, high-performing electricity distribution company with global standards and Pan-African aspirations.
The promotions and step increments, approved by the management, recognise employees who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, professionalism and outstanding performance in advancing AEDC’s strategic objectives.
However, employees who were not successful in the current appraisal cycle have been urged to remain committed, emphasising that the performance management process is designed to support continuous growth, capability development and future advancement opportunities.
“Our people remain our greatest asset and the foundation upon which AEDC’s future will be built. Today’s announcement is more than a reward for performance; it is a reaffirmation of our belief that excellence should always be recognised, talent should be nurtured and hard work should create opportunities for growth.
“As we continue our transformation journey, we are building an organisation where our employees can develop rewarding careers, realise their full potential and proudly contribute to creating one of Africa’s leading electricity distribution companies,” the chief executive of AEDC, Mr Chijioke Okwuokenye, stated.
He added that AEDC is intentionally creating a workplace where merit, continuous learning, innovation and collaboration drive career progression, while employee wellbeing remains central to its long-term strategy.
