Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin
Attendees, during the launch
On Wednesday 24th June 2026, Rokel Commercial Bank officially expanded its nationwide footprint with the opening of a new branch in Kambia District, a move aimed at strengthening financial inclusion, facilitating trade, and bringing modern banking services closer to the people of the district.
The ceremony attracted a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives of government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), traditional authorities, the business community, school pupils, market women, security personnel, and members of the media.
Speaking at the event, RC Bank’s Deputy Managing Director, Mr Emmanuel Borbor, said the establishment of the branch would create a lasting relationship between the people of Kambia and the bank while supporting the Government of Sierra Leone’s financial inclusion agenda championed by the Bank of Sierra Leone. He noted that the branch would provide banking and related financial services to residents and businesses in the district.
Mr Borbor, commended the RC Bank Board Chairman, John Sumaila, for his support, as well as all other strakeholders for making the launching a reality. He described the occasion as a historic milestone in the bank’s remarkable journey of bringing quality banking services closer to Sierra Leoneans and supporting economic growth across all regions of the country.
He emphasized Kambia’s strategic importance as a gateway between Sierra Leone and Guinea, noting that the high volume of business activities and cross-border trade in the district makes it an ideal location for the bank’s expansion.
“Kambia’s vibrant commercial activities and large volume of cash transactions demand the presence of a strong financial institution. RC Bank’s presence here is a symbol of confidence, growth, stability, and our long-term commitment to the people of Kambia,” he said.
Mr. Borbor stated that the objective of the new branch is to ensure customers have access to modern banking solutions, while expanding financial services that contribute meaningfully to economic development. He also recalled RC Bank’s successful acquisition of the former Union Trust Bank (UTB) portfolio, which he said has enabled the institution to deliver greater value to customers nationwide. He expressed gratitude to the Bank of Sierra Leone for the confidence reposed in RC Bank and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to contributing positively to national economic development.
The Deputy MD disclosed that RC Bank has established three new branches in recent times, reflecting the institution’s continued growth, and commended the Managing Director for his outstanding leadership and contribution to the development of both the bank and the nation. He also thanked stakeholders for their unwavering support, and urged staff of the new branch to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and regulatory compliance while building lasting relationships with the people of Kambia.
“I am hopeful that this branch will become a shining example of RC Bank’s contribution to the economic transformation of Kambia District and Sierra Leone as a whole,” he added.
In his statement, Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, expressed delight at being part of what he described as a transformative moment for Kambia and the wider sub-region. He noted that RC Bank was established to create opportunities for businesses and communities, and that the Kambia branch would help strengthen trade within the Mano River sub-region.
Addressing school pupils present at the ceremony, Dr. Gilpin encouraged them to pursue education diligently, and stressing that learning remains a key driver of development.
He assured prospective customers that the branch would provide a comfortable environment where they could access information and financial services necessary for their personal and business growth.
“The reason we came to Kambia is because it sits at a strategic crossroads of trade and commerce,” he said.
Dr. Gilpin emphasized the bank’s commitment to expanding access to finance, deepening financial literacy, and promoting digital banking solutions that make transactions easier and more convenient. He further highlighted that RC Bank is a wholly indigenous Sierra Leonean bank, meaning that profits generated by the institution remain within the country and contribute to national development.
Describing RC Bank as one of the most reliable financial institutions in the country, he pointed to the bank’s modern banking products, including Visa card services that enable customers to conduct transactions internationally. He furthered that the opening of the Kambia branch marks another significant step in RC Bank’s expansion strategy, and reinforces its commitment to bringing innovative banking services closer to communities across Sierra Leone and supporting economic growth and financial inclusion.
Speaking on behalf of the Council of Paramount Chiefs and Chiefdom authorities, Paramount Chief Bai Farma Tass IV warmly welcomed guests to the district and provided a background to the long journey that culminated in the opening of the branch. He highlighted the challenges residents previously faced in accessing banking services, noting that a population of over 400,000 people had long endured difficulties conducting financial transactions.
The Paramount Chief paid tribute to individuals and stakeholders who worked behind the scenes to ensure the successful establishment of the branch. He stressed that Kambia’s strategic location, coupled with the presence of one of the country’s largest international markets at Barmoi Loma, made the district a strategic destination for banking services.
“The establishment of this branch will promote trade, facilitate business transactions, and support economic growth in the district,” he said.
Several dignitaries delivered goodwill messages during the ceremony, including representatives from the military representative, Market Women Association, local authorities and business community.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 29th June 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
