Akofa Dakwa joins ACCA Global Council in a milestone for African representation

Akofa Dakwa’s election to the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Global Council in November 2026 marks a significant milestone for African leadership in global accountancy. A distinguished banking executive, chartered accountant and advocate for professional development, she reflects Africa’s growing influence in the profession.

A Fellow of ACCA (FCCA), Certified Financial Risk Manager (FRM) and Chartered Banker, Akofa brings more than two decades of experience in banking, financial management, treasury, enterprise risk management, corporate governance and strategic leadership across East and West Africa. Currently Deputy Managing Director of Bank of Africa Kenya Limited, her election recognises both her professional achievements and the calibre of African financial leadership, underscoring African professionals’ growing role in global discussions on finance, governance and economic development.

Akofa's remarkable career illustrates the power of continuous learning, reinvention and determination. Her academic path began in science. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana, she started her career at Unilever Ghana in 2004.

She moved into banking in 2005, joining Guaranty Trust Bank Ghana in treasury and risk management. In 2008, she joined Amalgamated Bank, now Bank of Africa, and advanced into progressively senior roles.

Her work in treasury, financial markets and risk management earned her a reputation for strategic execution, institutional transformation and developing high-performing teams.

As Head of Treasury, she was credited with turning the department into a strategic business unit that contributed significantly to the bank’s turnaround. She later served as Chief Risk Officer and an Executive Committee member at Bank of Africa Ghana before assuming her current leadership role in Kenya. Her qualifications reflect a commitment to multidisciplinary learning: alongside her Biochemistry degree, she holds an MBA in Finance and Risk Management, a Bachelor of Laws degree, the ACCA qualification, Chartered Banker credentials and the globally recognised Financial Risk Manager certification. Her journey challenges conventional career paths, showing that professional excellence depends less on one’s initial field of study than on a willingness to learn, adapt and embrace new opportunities.

African professional leadership on a global stage

As ACCA’s governing body, the Global Council guides the organisation’s strategy, provides stewardship and represents the interests and future of its worldwide membership.

Elected by ACCA members worldwide, the Council’s 47 members represent 18 markets and bring diverse experience to global collaboration and strategic thinking in accountancy. Akofa joins this distinguished group in 2026 as the profession undergoes major change. Artificial intelligence, digital financial services, evolving regulation, sustainability reporting, economic uncertainty and growing demands for transparency are reshaping expectations of finance professionals.

Her experience in banking, risk, governance and financial markets offers a valuable perspective on these changes. Her African market background also brings insight from economies where financial innovation, inclusion, regulatory development and institutional resilience remain key priorities.

Beyond accounting: Finance professionals’ expanding role

Akofa's career shows how modern accountancy extends beyond financial reporting, with finance professionals increasingly serving as strategic business partners, institutional leaders, risk specialists and contributors to corporate governance. Her senior banking and board roles have given her insight into the links between financial performance, responsible leadership, effective risk management and sustainable institutional growth.

Her board roles include Independent Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Board Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee at Guinness Ghana Breweries Plc, a GSE-listed company. This experience equips her to support ACCA’s efforts to keep the profession relevant in an increasingly complex global business environment.

Supporting women’s leadership and professional mentorship

Beyond her corporate roles, Akofa mentors emerging finance professionals, particularly women pursuing leadership positions. She participates in professional development initiatives and, through her association with Ghana’s Executive Women Network, supports advocacy for women executives and entrepreneurs. Her journey illustrates the value of determination, intellectual curiosity and continued professional development, including notable achievements in the ACCA examinations.

In 2019, she placed first in Ghana in the Advanced Financial Management exams and 23rd globally among more than 10,000 candidates. She also graduated as Ghana’s third-best ACCA affiliate for that period, reflecting the academic excellence, discipline and commitment that have shaped her career. Through ACCA’s Global Forum for Governance, Risk and Performance, she has contributed to research, thought leadership and discussions on the future of governance and risk management. Her election builds on an established relationship with ACCA and its wider professional community.

The significance of her election for Africa

Her election comes as Africa deepens its integration into the global financial system and pursues stronger institutions, better corporate governance, sustainable investment and more sophisticated financial markets. These priorities make globally competitive accountants, finance professionals and business leaders more important than ever.

African professionals in international leadership can help bring the continent’s experiences, opportunities and challenges into global policy and professional discussions. Akofa’s work in Ghana and Kenya offers a regional perspective on the issues facing African financial institutions. Her election also encourages young African professionals to look beyond geographical boundaries and recognise that expertise developed in African institutions can shape international standards and strategic priorities.

Alongside the personal achievement, ACCA Global Council membership carries responsibility for the organisation’s long-term interests, strategic oversight and the profession’s continued development. For Akofa, it offers another opportunity to unite her financial services experience with her commitment to governance, professional excellence, diversity and mentorship.

Her progression from science graduate in Ghana to senior banking executive in East Africa and elected ACCA Global Council member reflects ambition, adaptability and continuous growth. It also shows that leadership is defined not just by position, but by the value contributed to institutions, the people inspired and the lasting impact created.

This well-deserved recognition is a proud moment for African professional leadership and an inspiration to the next generation. Congratulations to Akofa Dakwa on this outstanding achievement.

Carl Odame-Gyenti, PhD, is the author of the book Dare to Dream and a Financial Institutions and Fintech Coverage expert at an international bank in Kenya, East Africa. Contact: Carl.odamegyenti@gmail.com.