Finance for Development Lab Appoints Dr Maxwell Opoku-Afari as Non-Resident Fellow to Strengthen Development Finance Research
The Finance for Development Lab (FDL) has announced the appointment of Dr Maxwell Opoku-Afari, former First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, as a Non-Resident Fellow, marking a significant addition to its team of distinguished economists and development finance experts.
The appointment, according to FDL, underscores its commitment to advancing research and fostering policy collaboration aimed at strengthening financial development in Ghana and across emerging economies.
Over the next six months, Dr Opoku-Afari will lead two major research studies and actively contribute to the Lab’s seminars, conferences, and policy dialogues. His work will focus on enhancing cooperation among central banks, private sector actors, and international development organisations to design impactful and sustainable financial solutions.
As part of his fellowship, FDL said it would provide Dr Opoku-Afari with institutional support, including access to research resources and data, to advance his work and help organise a major debt conference in Africa next year.
Commenting on his appointment, Dr Opoku-Afari stated, “I am honoured to join this great and reputable institution with very accomplished and distinguished professionals. I eagerly look forward to collaborating with colleagues to contribute to the vital work of promoting shared and sustainable growth and development through thoughtful research and discussions.”
Executive Director of FDL, Martin Kessler, also welcomed the appointment, describing Dr Opoku-Afari’s expertise as a major boost to the Lab’s mission. “We are honoured to welcome Dr Maxwell Opoku-Afari to our team. His extensive background in central banking and international finance will be a tremendous asset as we work toward fostering sustainable development across Africa and beyond,” he said.
Dr Opoku-Afari brings nearly three decades of experience in central banking and international finance to the role. Before his appointment at FDL, he served as First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana from 2017 to 2025, overseeing key functions including monetary policy, payments systems and FinTech, research, currency management, and risk oversight.
He previously held senior roles at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where he contributed to policy formulation and technical assistance in macroeconomic management across developing economies.
A Fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (FGA), Dr Opoku-Afari also holds honorary fellowships from the Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIB) and the Institute of Directors, Ghana (IoD). He chairs the Advisory Board of the College of Humanities at the University of Ghana.
