Reports circulating suggest that the former Managing Director of Barclays Bank Ghana and Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hollard Ghana, Patience Enyonam Akyianu, has passed away.

This information was contained in a press statement by the CEO Network Ghana. Part of the statement read, "Her passing is a deeply painful loss to the business community and to all of us who knew and cherished her. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, colleagues, friends and loved ones. May God grant them strength and comfort during this difficult time. Further details will be shared as received from the family. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace".

The cause of her death is yet to be disclosed. Mrs Akyianu’s death leaves a void in Ghana’s banking and insurance industries.

Mrs Akyianu spent much of her professional career in the banking sector, where she held several senior financial and executive roles before rising to become Managing Director of Barclays Bank Ghana.

She first served as the bank’s Finance Director before taking over as Managing Director, a position she held for five years.

A profile published by the Ghana Stock Exchange stated that she had more than 26 years of experience in banking and finance. This included 17 years in the banking industry before she moved into the insurance sector in 2018.

She held an MBA in Finance and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with a specialisation in Accounting, both from the University of Ghana Business School.

Mrs Akyianu was also a certified professional accountant and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana.

Mrs Akyianu became the Chief Executive Officer of Hollard Ghana Holdings in October 2018 after leaving Barclays Bank Ghana.