By: Abdul Shakun Omae
After years of dedicated service, Hajia Abibata Shani Mahama Zakaria has officially concluded her tenure as the Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC). Having served as Deputy CEO from 2017 to 2020 and as the substantive CEO from 2021 to 2025, her leadership was marked by a commitment to financial inclusion, digital transformation, and women’s empowerment.
In a heartfelt message shared on her Facebook page, Hajia Abibata expressed her excitement about passing the baton to a female successor, describing the milestone as a testament to Ghana’s evolving commitment to gender balance in leadership.
“This milestone reflects our commitment to promoting gender balance within the leadership and governance regime of Ghana’s thriving democracy,” she wrote. “Empowering women in executive roles not only enriches our organizational values and discipline but also aligns with national efforts to enhance women’s representation in governance.”
Throughout her tenure, Hajia Abibata spearheaded efforts to digitize MASLOC’s operations, transitioning from manual processes to a paperless system. This initiative, supported by the African Development Bank through the Ministry of Finance, is expected to enhance efficiency and accessibility for beneficiaries.
As she hands over, she remains optimistic about MASLOC’s future, believing that the institution will continue to grow and prosper under the new leadership.
Hajia Abibata also took the opportunity to extend her gratitude to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo for entrusting her with the responsibility to lead MASLOC. She acknowledged the immense contributions, support, and cooperation of the board, management, and staff, whose efforts she credited for the successes achieved during her tenure.
Her departure marks the end of an era at MASLOC, but her legacy rooted in innovation, inclusion, and gender empowerment will undoubtedly shape the institution’s trajectory in the years to come.
