GRi BEF News Ghana 09 - 10 - 2000

Barclays Bank introduces Prestige Banking

Barclays Bank introduces Prestige Banking

Accra (Greater Accra) 09 October 2000

Barclays Bank Limited at the weekend introduced a new service, Prestige Banking, at its Osu branch in Accra.

The service, which will enable customers to carry out banking transactions outside normal banking hours, will also give them a comprehensive range of special services such as free standing orders, an exclusive Barclays cash card, and access to centres in other African countries.

Mr. Victor Selormey, a Deputy Minister of Finance observed at the launch that the financial services industry, has in recent times been undergoing varying degrees of transformation in different parts of the world.

These changes, he said are driven mainly by the effects of globalisation, technological advancements and competition.

Mr. Selormey pointed out that with the inequalities in trade terms between developed and developing economies, the latter are faced with the challenge of keeping up with the pace of global competition.

"In spite on these, government is determined to ensure that its economic performance stay broadly in line with targets."

Mr. Selormey stated that in order to keep in touch with the global market and make Ghana an attractive investment destination in Africa, government would create the congenial environment through the development of a healthy and reliable financial services industry.

He urged financial institutions to reciprocate this gesture by supporting government efforts.

He commended Barclays Bank for its lead role in the wave of innovations in technology, customer service, product development and image definition, and its increasing support to both the private and public sectors of the economy.

"In terms of service innovation and efficiency, Barclays has contributed significantly to the ongoing transformation within the financial services industry."

While lauding Barclays Bank for its long-standing reputation as a trail blazer in the financial services sector, the deputy minister reminded it that the only way to protect this image and ensure long-term sustenance of its new initiatives is for it to continue to provide customers with good quality service.

Mr. Kobina Quansah, Managing Director, pledged the bank's determination to make strategic investments and continuously diversify its services and products to meet changing customer needs.

He said Prestige Banking Service, which is the first of its kind in Ghana, shows Barclays' commitment to put the customer first.

He said more centres would soon be set up in other parts of the country "to ensure that the service quality is maintained and easy accessibility guaranteed so that customers could enjoy the banking they deserve."

Mrs. Shola Safo-Duodu, Head of the Marketing Department, said two more centres would be established in Accra and Kumasi by the end of the year.

She said every Prestige centre would have a maximum of 2,000 customers to enable the bank to offer and maintain the quality of customer services.

Oyeeman Wereko Ampem II, Chief of Amanokrom and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the bank, urged customers to avail themselves of this opportunity by becoming members of the Prestige family.

Mr. Aikins Ofori-Kuma, Prestige Manager, had earlier presented Mr. Ishmael Norman, First Prestige Client, with gifts.

GRi…/