Ghana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the African Development Bank (AfDB) towards the hosting of the AfDB Group’s 2022 Annual Meetings.
The agreement paves way for the two parties to officially commence the preparations for the event which is expected to start next year. The MoU defines responsibilities between the Host Country and the AfDB, with the AfDB providing all documentations required for the meeting and extending invitation to participants.
Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, the Minister of Finance, who is the current chair of AfDB’s Board of Governors, signed the MOU on behalf of Ghana, assuring Ghana’s preparedness to host the event. Conversely, Professor Vincent O. Nmehielle, AfDB Group’s Secretary-General signed on behalf of the Bank Group.
The AfDB Bank Group’s Annual Meetings are the most important annual statutory event in which the Board of Governors of the Bank and the African Development Fund meet to review the AfDB Bank Group activities over the previous year.
Changing the Format of the Meeting due to COVID-19
Prof. Nmehielle revealed that on November 13, 2020, the Government of Ghana and the AfDB Group signed a similar MoU for Ghana to host this year, 2021 Annual General Meeting, but the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic couldn’t allow physical Meetings and the conduct of the meetings was changed from physical to virtual.
Prof. Nmehielle averred that considering the change in format, the Board of Governors of the AfDB Bank, resolved to extend the current cycle of hosting Annual Meetings to 2022, to enable Ghana to host the 2022 Annual Meetings of the AfDB Bank Group.
The Secretary-General further disclosed that consideration will be given for future Annual Meetings of the AfDB Bank Group to be organized in a way, with the COVID-19 pandemic in mind.
“In this regard, I am pleased to note that consultations on the conduct of the 2022 Annual Meetings are held in a hybrid format with Ghana as the Host.”
Prof. Nmehielle
Prof. Nmehielle stated that following these consultations, an agreement is reached by both parties to incorporate in the MoU, all elements required for the conduct of the Annual Meetings in a hybrid format.
The AfDB Group is primarily responsible for the organisation of the Annual Meetings, including providing all documentation required for the meetings and extending invitations to participants. On its part, the host is expected to make available goods and services needed for the effective organisation of the Annual Meetings to ensure its eventual success.
Prof. Nmehielle assured the Ministry of Finance of the AfDB Bank’s commitment and availability to work with the Government of Ghana towards the successful hosting of the 2022 Annual Meetings. He noted that the AfDB Bank would continue to engage with the country team throughout the preparatory process until the end of the Annual Meetings.
Mr Ofori-Atta commended the Secretary-General of AfDB for his support and commitment towards ensuring that the upcoming 2022 Annual Meeting is a success.
The Finance Minister noted that, it is re-assuring to note that the team on the Mission has been satisfied so far with the general preparedness, saying the MoU signing is yet another demonstration of Ghana’s enduring commitment to the 2022 Annual General Meeting.
Ofori-Atta underscored the importance of the AGM. “It affords the opportunity to strategize and advance the cause to recover and build forward better. We look forward to hosting all of you at this seminal event.”
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