By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB), under the outstanding leadership of Managing Director Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, has taken another bold step in its strategic growth with the official opening of a new branch in Cline Town, Freetown.
The inauguration ceremony took place on July 28, 2025, attracting dignitaries from the Ministry of Finance (MOF), the Central Bank of Sierra Leone, customers, and business representatives.
In his keynote address, Dr. Gilpin emphasized that the opening of the Cline Town branch should not merely be seen as another operational milestone. Rather, it represents RCB’s deeper commitment to integrating into Sierra Leone’s broader macroeconomic framework.
He acknowledged the strong collaboration between RCB, the Ministry of Finance, and the Central Bank, crediting the partnership for fostering financial stability, a functioning payment system, and inflation control.
Highlighting innovations, Dr. Gilpin pointed to the Rokel SIM KORPOR platform, which is now integrated into the national switch, adding that such has significantly improved the circulation of money, contributing to overall economic growth. He reiterated RCB’s commitment to financial inclusion, welcoming informal sector workers who are now opening bank accounts and increasingly adopting the bank’s digital services and products.
While the bank continues to attract large-scale businesses, Dr. Gilpin stressed that RCB remains focused on serving a wide cross-section of society.
He revealed that the bank is finalizing plans to establish a new branch in neighboring Liberia—a move he believes will strengthen RCB’s standing within the African banking landscape. The expansion, he noted, positions RCB for regional prominence and could encourage international businesses operating in Sierra Leone to strengthen their banking relationships with RCB.
Dr. Gilpin also took a moment to commend President Julius Maada Bio for his unwavering support and trust in RCB. He praised the ruling SLPP government for allowing the bank to operate independently, without political interference, which he said is essential for sustainable growth and customer confidence.
Representing the Central Bank of Sierra Leone, John A. Tucker lauded RCB’s expansion drive as a critical pillar in advancing the government’s financial inclusion and democratization agenda. He said the establishment of the new branch will bring banking services closer to communities, fulfilling a long-standing policy goal of making financial services more accessible.
Long-time RCB customer Mr. M.A. Jalloh praised the bank’s management and staff for their commitment to innovation and customer care. He noted that RCB continues to set a standard in Sierra Leone’s banking sector by prioritizing the needs of its clients.
Mr. Mohamed Lungay, manager of the newly opened Cline Town branch, credited Dr. Gilpin’s visionary and customer-focused leadership as instrumental in the bank’s continued growth and relevance.
He pledged to uphold the bank’s service excellence at the new branch.
Additionally, Mr. Hijazi of ROCKCEM welcomed the branch opening, noting its strategic proximity to the company’s production plant.
He expressed admiration for RCB’s dependable customer care services and emphasized that the new branch would greatly enhance convenience for corporate and individual clients alike.
The Cline Town branch represents a significant addition to RCB’s growing network, reinforcing its mission to deliver inclusive, innovative, and accessible banking services across Sierra Leone and beyond.
