Financial institutions assured of right business environment
Dr Kwaku Agyemang-Mensah, the Ashanti Regional Minister, has assured the business community of the government’s determination to ensure that the right conditions existed to aid their smooth operation.
He said every support would be given to the private sector to enhance its growth and vibrancy.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the Asafo Branch of the Access Bank (Ghana) in Kumasi. This brings to five the number of its branches, nationwide.
Dr Agyemang-Mensah identified access to credit as one of the biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs and said the expectation was that the bank’s presence would bring some relief to business operators in the region.
He said with the improvement in the economy as a result of prudent financial management, the banks should do more to assist the expansion of businesses to help generate employment for the youth.
The Regional Minister noted that in spite of the increase in banking services “a large segment of the population still remained unbanked”, and called for the adoption of proactive initiatives to encourage more people to save at the banks.
This would not only guarantee the safety of their money but also help the nation to mop-up excess liquidity in the system.
Dr Agyemang-Mensah acknowledged the consistent commitment of the Access Bank to social and economic development through its community development activities, citing its “Disaster Relief Account”, set up to help out disaster victims as a noble intervention worthy of emulation.
Mr Yomi Akapo, the Managing Director, in an address read for him said the Asafo Branch marked a significant foray of the bank outside the Greater Accra Region.
They plan to open another branch in Takoradi by the end of the year, he said.
He said their goal was to deliver world class banking services to the Ghanaian public by building strategic partnerships with top global brands including Visa International for card payment services.
The bank has core capabilities in trade finance, international trade and commodity financing.
He announced a donation of GH¢7,000.00 to the Otumfuo Education Fund.
Oheneba Adusei Poku, the Akyempimhene, who represented the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, urged the bank to establish branches, especially at Suame Magazine and the Adum Business Centre in Kumasi to help artisans and the business community to expand their economic activities.
Source: GNA