CalBank Closes 35th Anniversary with Nationwide RED Walk
CalBank PLC wrapped up its 35th anniversary celebrations with the “RED Walk”, a corporate wellness and unity event held on Saturday, July 12, 2025. The walk began and ended at the bank’s head office in Accra, weaving through the vibrant streets of Osu. It brought together staff, clients, and key stakeholders in a spirited display of community and resilience.
Walking the Talk: Responsibility, Effectiveness, Decisiveness
The walk marked the high point of RED Week, a celebration centered on CalBank’s core values—Responsibility, Effectiveness, and Decisiveness (RED). Managing Director Carl Selasi Asem explained that the event went beyond physical wellness. It served as a symbolic expression of the principles that have guided CalBank since 1990.
“The walk aligns with our values week and 35th anniversary,” said Mr. Asem. “It’s a way to remind our people of the values that anchor our resilience and service culture.”
Throughout RED Week, employees participated in team-building exercises aimed at reinforcing these guiding principles and deepening internal commitment to service excellence.
Financial Strength Despite Economic Pressures
Responding to recent concerns about CalBank’s position following the government’s Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), Mr. Asem offered strong reassurances. He confirmed that although the DDEP had an impact, the bank had conducted a thorough asset quality review and recovered well.
“We’ve remained profitable since last year. Our shareholders are fully committed to recapitalizing the bank, and our financial position is sound,” he stated.
Looking Forward: Innovation and SME Growth
CalBank is now shifting its focus toward innovation and customer-focused solutions. The bank plans to enhance services for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and individual clients by introducing new technologies and financial products. According to Mr. Asem, this marks a relaunch phase after internal reorganization, with the goal of exceeding stakeholder expectations.
He emphasized CalBank’s role as a leading indigenous financial institution and praised its success in digital adoption and payment systems.
Indigenous Banks Crucial to National Stability
Earlier in the week, CalBank leadership highlighted the importance of local banks in promoting economic resilience, especially during uncertain times. Mr. Asem warned against overdependence on foreign-owned banks, noting that indigenous banks like CalBank are better positioned to support the national economy during crises.
Values as a Foundation for Growth
Andy Asiedu, CalBank’s Head of People & Culture, stressed that the bank’s success hinges on values-driven behavior. He encouraged staff to live out the RED principles beyond the celebrations.
“Success without values is not sustainable. Excellence in service starts with how we behave,” he noted.
Legacy of Growth Rooted in Values
Since its founding in 1990, CalBank has grown into one of Ghana’s top-tier banks. The RED Week theme—“Rooted in Values. Built to Last. Proudly Indigenous.”—celebrated not just the bank’s history but its enduring mission of innovation, inclusion, and sustainability.
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