ARB Apex Bank PLC has announced the appointment of Curtis William Brantuo as Acting Managing Director, effective Friday, January 2, 2026.
The appointment follows the receipt of a regulatory no objection from the Bank of Ghana and marks a carefully managed leadership transition at the apex institution of Ghana’s rural and community banking sector.
The Board of Directors said the decision underscores its commitment to stability, continuity and sustained strategic focus at a time when confidence in governance remains critical to sector growth.
Mr Brantuo’s appointment follows the successful completion of the four year tenure of Mr Alex Kwasi Awuah, who served as Managing Director from 2021 to 2025. During his term, Mr Awuah led ARB Apex Bank through a period of notable institutional strengthening and sector wide reforms.
The Board commended his leadership and expressed confidence that the transition to an acting managing director would ensure uninterrupted operations, policy consistency and effective oversight across the rural and community banking network.
Experienced Insider Takes the Helm
The appointment of Mr Brantuo is widely viewed as a steadying influence, given his deep institutional knowledge and long standing service within the Bank. He has served as Deputy Managing Director since December 1, 2022 and has been part of ARB Apex Bank since February 2008. His elevation to the acting role is expected to support seamless execution of the Bank’s strategic vision while a substantive managing director is being considered.
A seasoned legal and banking professional, Mr Brantuo has held several key positions within ARB Apex Bank. Most notably, he served as Legal Officer and later as Head of Legal, Compliance and Company Secretary from October 1, 2008.
In that capacity, he played a pivotal role in strengthening corporate governance, regulatory compliance and board effectiveness, not only at the apex bank but also across the network of Rural and Community Banks. His work helped align governance practices with regulatory expectations and enhanced institutional resilience within the sector.
Solid Academic and Professional Credentials
Mr Brantuo brings an impressive academic and professional background to the role. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Psychology, a Qualifying Certificate in Law and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Ghana and the Ghana School of Law.
He also possesses a postgraduate certificate in Information Technology Law from Wisconsin University College, Ghana. In addition, he holds MBAs in Banking and Finance from the Paris Graduate School of Management and the University of Gold Coast. Professionally, he is a senior member of the Ghana Bar Association with more than 25 years standing at the Bar, a Chartered Banker and a member of the Institute of Directors.
With over 25 years of leadership experience spanning legal practice, banking, compliance and corporate governance, Mr Brantuo is well positioned to guide ARB Apex Bank during this transitional period.
Prior to joining the Bank, he practised law at Lexnet Legal Consult between 2004 and 2007 and earlier at Hayibor, Djarbeng and Co. in Accra from 2001 to 2003. This blend of private legal practice and institutional banking experience has shaped his pragmatic approach to regulation, risk management and stakeholder engagement.
Critical Role of ARB Apex Bank
ARB Apex Bank PLC operates under Legislative Instrument 1825 with delegated authority from the Bank of Ghana to regulate and supervise Rural and Community Banks in Ghana. The institution provides supervisory, liquidity management, payment and technical support services to 147 Rural and Community Banks, which collectively operate more than 850 branches across all 16 regions. These banks play a vital role in financial inclusion, SME financing and rural economic development, making leadership stability at the apex bank a matter of national interest.
Stakeholders across the rural banking sector have welcomed Mr Brantuo’s appointment, describing it as a well considered decision that reinforces confidence in the governance framework of ARB Apex Bank.
Many view the move as a signal that the Board prioritises continuity, institutional memory and disciplined oversight. As Acting Managing Director, Mr Brantuo is expected to work closely with the Board and Management to sustain the disinflationary gains, strengthen risk management systems and deepen support for rural and community banks.
With his extensive experience and deep understanding of the institution, stakeholders are optimistic that the
With his extensive experience and deep understanding of the institution, stakeholders are optimistic that the Bank will maintain momentum, uphold strong governance standards and continue to support the growth and resilience of Ghana’s rural and community banking ecosystem.
