Managing Director of Absa Bank, Abena Osei-Poku, has paid a courtesy call on management of the Business and Financial Times (B&FT) to among other things discuss issues of mutual interest, partnership and collaboration between the two organisations. The visit is also to identify the opportunities each party can leverage to increase productivity and strengthen relationships.
During the visit, Ms. Osei-Poku noted that her outfit finds its relationship with the media to be crucial; hence, it is appreciative of the partnership it has had with the Business and Financial Times over the years.
She also commended the B&FT for churning out timely information on business and financial news in Ghana and the West African landscape through the daily Business and Financial Times newspaper.
The two parties however highlighted how it can leverage its collaboration, innovations and technologies to improve sector growth. They also stressed the need to adapt to changing times as well as take advantage of technology and new media to meet demands and enhance customer experience.
One other key issue that was put forth was how the two organisations can ensure equality and equity at their respective workplaces and support women to climb the professional ladder, paying critical attention to the gender disparity at their various offices in order to break the glass-ceiling.
“This is something we are very passionate about; we are actively working to equip women. The least we can do is help women at the organisations; if nothing else, when there are vacancies let’s encourage them to apply. At Absa Bank we encourage that, and there is still more to be done,” Ms. Osei-Poku said.
For his part, the Chief Executive Officer of the Business and Financial Times, Dr. Godwin Acquaye, briefed the Absa Bank team on opportunities B&FT has for this year – its programmes and projects that have been outlined to increase readership and meet demands as Africa’s leading provider of business information.
He further introduced the other publications that the B&FT has aside from the newspaper: including the Business Times Magazine Africa – a pan-African magazine that covers the whole of Africa with Business news and aviation reports.
Dr. Godwin Acquaye also expressed the B&FT’s commitment to meeting the needs of its clients as well as ensuring that its collaboration with partners yields positive results on both sides.
Ms. Osei-Poku hinted Absa Bank’s commitment to further provide support for small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) in the country this year, as it believes their contribution to GDP is crucial. It will also champion the financial inclusion agenda and continuously support socio-economic growth.
“There’s no bank that supports SMEs like Absa Bank. There are a lot of things we want to do and we are open for conversation and ideas. We truly appreciate the partnership between the B&FT and us, Absa Bank, and the great work you are doing,” she said.
