Rokel Commercial Bank (RCBank) has officially commissioned its newest branch in Cline Town, Eastern Freetown, marking a major step in the bank’s commitment to increasing financial access and inclusion across Sierra Leone.
The opening ceremony, held on Monday 28th July, was attended by key stakeholders including representatives from the Bank of Sierra Leone, law enforcement, long-standing customers, community members, and RCBank executives.
Welcoming guests, the Head of Public Relations at Rokel Commercial Bank, Mr. Aruna Dumbuya, expressed pride in the bank’s continued growth, noting that the Cline Town branch is the 18th under the leadership of Managing Director, Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin. He highlighted the rapid expansion which includes another newly established branch in Waterloo, made possible through the dedication of the Board, management, and loyal customers.
In his address, Managing Director, Dr. Walton Gilpin, described the new branch as a long-awaited development. He stated that RCBank is not only a forward-looking institution, but one rooted in people-centered values. “We are a bank that wants to be in the lives and faces of our customers,” he said. Dr. Gilpin recalled the bank’s earlier departure from Cline Town and stressed their intention to make a stronger, lasting impact this time around.
“We recognize that competition is intense, but we are here to dominate through innovation and integration with the national economic agenda,” he said, highlighting the bank’s role in aligning with the Central Bank’s policies.
He referenced the bank’s Rokel Sim Korpor, now operating in sync with Sierra Leone’s National Payment Switch, as a model of digital innovation aligned with public policy. “Access to finance today is not just about brick-and-mortar buildings. It’s about digital literacy, financial depth, and strategic partnerships. Whether it’s a market woman or a multinational corporation, we believe everyone should have the tools to grow.”
Highlighting the bank’s values, Dr. Gilpin emphasized that financial inclusion also requires dignity and ownership. “We teach people not only to open accounts, but to understand financial systems, to own their financial journey, and to believe in their economic power. That’s what makes RCBank not just a bank, but a national asset.”
Dr. Gilpin ended by thanking President Julius Maada Bio’s government for its unwavering support. “The trust the government has placed in us, undiluted and undisputed, has allowed us to perform at our highest professional level. We are proving every day that Sierra Leonean institutions can achieve greatness.”
Representing the Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, Mr. John A.T. Tucker, Director of Financial Stability, delivered a detailed and forward-looking keynote address. He described the Cline Town expansion as a milestone with national implications.
“Today’s opening goes far beyond the establishment of a physical branch. It represents a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to inclusive finance, sustainable economic development, and the democratization of banking in Sierra Leone,” Mr. Tucker said.
He praised RCBank’s focus on bridging the financial services gap in underserved communities, saying the move aligned perfectly with the Central Bank’s broader mandate. “The Bank of Sierra Leone is not just concerned with monetary stability; we are equally committed to ensuring that every citizen, whether in urban hubs or rural districts, has access to secure, affordable, and efficient financial services.”
Mr. Tucker highlighted the role of financial institutions in spurring economic growth, particularly through small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). “Banks serve as the backbone of economic development. When they expand their reach, they empower entrepreneurs with the capital and confidence to innovate, create jobs, and contribute to the national GDP.”
He acknowledged RCBank’s technological strides and urged the institution to continue prioritizing customer-centric solutions. “In this digital age, banking must evolve. We encourage Rokel to leverage modern technologies to enhance security, accessibility, and efficiency, ensuring that no segment of our society is left behind.”
Concluding, Mr. Tucker pledged the continued partnership of the Bank of Sierra Leone. “As RCBank deepens its roots in communities like Cline Town, we stand ready to support their efforts because financial inclusion is not just a goal; it’s a national imperative.”
Representing the Minister of Finance, Idriss Bangura, the Deputy Director of the Fiscal Risk Department, praised the opening of Rokel Commercial Bank’s new branch in Cline Town as a testament to the bank’s continued growth and resilience, contributing meaningfully to Sierra Leone’s economic progress. He congratulated the management, staff, and all who worked tirelessly to achieve this milestone, noting that the new branch not only expands Rokel’s physical footprint, but also brings much-needed, accessible, and innovative financial services to a community long underserved by the banking sector.
He highlighted that Rokel has been an integral part of Sierra Leone’s financial landscape for over a century, standing firm through the country’s many challenges and achievements. He emphasized that the bank’s history is deeply intertwined with the history of Sierra Leone itself. He recalled how the civil war drastically reduced Rokel’s operations to a single branch in 1998, yet the bank’s resilience remained unwavering. Since then, Rokel has not only survived, but has reclaimed its position as one of the leading financial institutions in the country.
He further noted the significance of Rokel’s transformation from its early days as a foreign-owned entity to a proudly Sierra Leonean institution, following the government’s acquisition of a 51% stake in 1999. Today, Rokel Commercial Bank stands as a symbol of national ownership and a powerful example of how local financial institutions can drive economic development. He affirmed that the Ministry of Finance takes pride in the bank’s continued evolution, calling Rokel a beacon of stability and a reflection of Sierra Leone’s commitment to inclusive growth.
Other speakers at the ceremony echoed similar sentiments. Deputy Managing Director, Emmanuel Borbor, reflecting on the bank’s return to Cline Town after a prolonged absence, described the moment as a significant milestone. “Today marks a proud return in grand style. We are not just re-establishing our physical presence, but reasserting our commitment to delivering world-class banking services to Freetown and the nation at large,” he said. He emphasized that RCBank is well-positioned for continued growth with solid resources, a strong management team, and unwavering board support.
Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Patrick Dumbuya, represented by a senior officer, assured the bank of the Sierra Leone Police’s full support in maintaining a secure and peaceful environment for staff and customers.
Speaking on behalf of customers, a representative from Rokel’s long-standing corporate partner, RockCem, commended the bank for the convenience of the new branch, which is situated near their factory. He praised the bank’s reliability and customer-focused approach, citing its instrumental role in the growth of their company. “RCBank has helped us navigate both challenges and opportunities,” he said, pledging continued partnership and support for further expansions.
The ceremony climaxed with the unveiling of a plaque by Mr John Sumaila, Chairman Board of Directors, in honor of Dr. Gilpin’s transformative leadership, followed by the ceremonial ribbon-cutting and the pouring of traditional libation. Guests were then given a tour of the new facility.
The newly appointed Branch Manager of Cline Town expressed gratitude to the Board and management for entrusting him with the opportunity to lead the branch. He pledged to maintain the highest standards of service and uphold the bank’s commitment to customer-first values.
With the new Cline Town branch, Rokel Commercial Bank has reaffirmed its mission not only to grow its footprint, but to foster inclusive economic growth, uplift communities, and solidify its role as a champion of homegrown financial excellence in Sierra Leone.