The Ghana Association of Banks (GAB) as a response to Friday, July 10 confrontation between the Member of Parliament(MP) for Okaikwei North, Theresah Awuni and the Managing Director of Cal Bank has explained why commercial banks remained open during the recent two-day National General Cleaning exercise, saying the banking sector successfully balanced its responsibility to the public with its participation in the nationwide sanitation campaign.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 13, 2026, GAB Chief Executive Officer John Awuah said banks took part in the cleanup exercise while ensuring that essential banking services remained available to customers across the country.
The clarification follows questions from sections of the public over why many bank branches continued operating despite the government’s directive for businesses and institutions to participate in the national cleanup after a video went viral where the MP was seen in a serious verbal exchange with the CalBank manager over their refusal take part in the exercise.
According to GAB, the association met with the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) on July 9 to agree on how the banking sector would participate in the exercise.
The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs subsequently directed that non-essential businesses, shops and corporate organisations close from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. during the cleanup to encourage public participation.
However, the directive exempted organisations providing essential and emergency services.
GAB explained that the Bank of Ghana, commercial banks and specialised deposit-taking institutions are recognised under Ghanaian law as providers of essential services.
This classification was established during the COVID-19 pandemic under the Imposition of Restrictions Act, 2020 (Act 1012), allowing banks to continue operating even during periods of national restrictions.
As a result, the association instructed all member banks to adopt a dual approach by keeping their branches open while deploying staff to clean the surroundings of their offices and banking halls.
According to GAB, banks across the country successfully implemented the arrangement, ensuring that customers continued to access financial services while employees actively participated in the national sanitation exercise.
The association said the initiative demonstrated the banking sector’s commitment to supporting national development efforts without disrupting critical financial services relied upon by individuals, businesses and institutions.
