Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has called on all ECOWAS member states to fulfil their outstanding financial commitments to the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), stressing that timely capital payments are essential for the bank’s growth and regional impact.

Speaking at the 24th Annual General Meeting of EBID in Accra on April 8, 2026, Dr Forson noted that while Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, and Togo have fully met their obligations, several other member states still have significant arrears.

The total outstanding amount stands at approximately $256 million USD, despite the December 2025 deadline for the third tranche of subscription.

“Expanding our capital base is essential to strengthen our ability to finance transformative development projects and stimulate inclusive economic growth among our Member States,” Dr . Forson said.

“Timely capital payments strengthen EBID’s leverage and sustain its growth and impact across our region.”

The Finance Minister highlighted EBID’s strong performance in 2025 despite a complex global economic environment, characterised by uneven growth, divergent inflationary pressures, and shifting commodity prices.

The bank’s balance sheet grew from $1.97 billion USD in 2024 to $2.4 billion USD in 2025, while profitability rose from $8.55 million to $9.8 million USD, a 13.4% increase.

Operational achievements were equally notable: project approvals increased by 50%, with a focus on energy and transport infrastructure — sectors critical to regional transformation.

EBID also mobilised over $510 million USD and €310 million for priority projects, alongside an additional $100 million in capital mobilisation.

Dr Forson further highlighted several institutional milestones, including credit rating affirmations from Moody’s and Fitch, accreditation with the Green Climate Fund, and the opening of EBID’s Abidjan Regional Office to enhance regional engagement and accelerate project delivery.

The Finance Minister urged governors and stakeholders to approach deliberations with decisiveness and unity, emphasising that the future of EBID and West Africa’s development depends on collective commitment and action.

“Our discussions here in Accra will be rigorous because the expectations of our citizens are very high. They look to us for results, and we must deliver the results,” Dr.  Forson added.