The Chairperson of the Judicial Service Gender Equity Committee, Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko, has emphasised that the evolution of Ghana's rural banking sector into community b
The report indicates that the Chairperson of the Judicial Service Gender Equity Committee, Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko, has underscored the vital role of community banking in promoting financial inclusion, access to justice and sustainable economic development, saying the sector’s transition from rural banking reflects a renewed focus on serving people rather than merely identifying the location of financial institutions.
It further notes that delivering remarks on behalf of the Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, at the Rural Banking@50 Celebration and Conversation to Community Banking held at Bank Square in Accra on Thursday, 16 July, Justice Bernasko stated institutions should ultimately be judged by the impact they have on people’s lives rather than the number of years they have existed.
Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, she stated the anniversary marked not only five decades of rural banking but also the sector’s evolution into community banking, a transition she described as more reflective of its true purpose.
“I was particularly pleased when I noticed that this celebration marks not only 50 years of rural banking but also its transition to community banking,” she said.
“Rural tells us where the bank is located. Community reminds us why it exists. One speaks of geography, the other speaks of people.”
Justice Bernasko noted that for the past 50 years, rural and community banks have quietly supported the economic aspirations of ordinary Ghanaians by providing financial services to farmers, traders, teachers, fisherfolk, artisans, manufacturers and other workers whose contributions sustain the country’s economy.
She observed that many of these individuals may never transact business with the country’s major commercial banks, yet they deserve the same assurance that their savings are secure, the same opportunity to access credit and the same protection under the law.
Drawing parallels between the banking and justice systems, Justice Bernasko emphasised that access to justice, like access to financial services, should be available to every Ghanaian regardless of social status or economic standing.
She stated public attention often focuses on high-profile commercial disputes involving multinational corporations and major financial institutions, but the true measure of justice lies in how effectively it serves ordinary citizens.
“If justice protects only the powerful, then it has failed its constitutional purpose,” she stated, adding that Ghana’s Constitution envisages a legal system that safeguards every individual, enterprise and institution, irrespective of size or location.
Justice Bernasko further argued that financial inclusion and access to justice are closely interconnected, explaining that communities with meaningful access to financial services are better positioned to create economic opportunities, reduce poverty, strengthen local businesses and promote social stability.
According to her, community banking extends beyond the provision of financial services and plays a critical role in strengthening the very communities upon which the rule of law depends.
Addressing the future of the sector, she stated the anniversary theme, centred on reforms and the future of community banking in Ghana, comes at a crucial moment as the industry prepares for its next phase of growth.
While describing the sector’s 50-year journey as a significant national achievement, Justice Bernasko cautioned against complacency, urging stakeholders to use the milestone as a foundation for future progress.
