Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC, one of the major Caribbean investments in the country, has played a key role in the inaugural edition of the Caribbean Trade Mission to Ghana under the auspices of the Caribbean Export Development Agency. Representatives of Fifteen Territories making up the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) participated in the two-day event, which took place at the Marriot Hotel, Accra.
Deodat Maharaj, Executive Director of the Caribbean Export Development Agency – organiser of the Trade Mission, stated that the Caribbean-Ghana relationship should not be limited to our historical and cultural similarities but extended to trade and export activities as well. For this reason, Ghana is the major focus of the Agency in establishing trade relations that will bolster opportunities for the mutual benefits of the countries and their people.
On his part, the Managing Director of Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC, Mr. Benjamin Dzoboku said: “For there to be successful and impactful Caribbean-Ghana trade relations, a financial conduit is a critical requirement”.
He indicated that Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL) and Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC, being present in both regions, have the experience, stability and financial muscle – and are uniquely positioned to provide that conduit and financial support to promote trade.
He further stressed that Republic Bank Ghana draws from the over-185 years’ banking experience of its parent, RFHL. “We are driven by our beliefs in Healthy Risk Management, Financial Prudence and unwavering Customer Focus. Our approach to Resilient, Relevant and Responsible banking has helped us secure our status as a Sound, Safe and Secure Bank,” Mr. Dzoboku added.
At the mission’s business cocktail event hosted by Republic Bank Ghana at the Ebankese Gardens Head Office, Mr. Charles William Zwennes commemorated the history of slavery and roles played by Ghana and the Caribbean.
He commended the trade mission’s purposeful drive for reigniting the south-south trade vision of the ‘Freedom Fighters’ from Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Dr. Rigg Williams. “These discussions should yield results that will unite the two in great international trade partnerships” he admonished. He spoke of the brilliant performance of Republic Bank Ghana as a positive example of Foreign Direct Investment from Trinidad and Tobago.
In the closing remarks, Mrs. Riah Dass-Mungal, General Manager-Corporate and Investment Banking, Republic Bank Limited, Trinidad and Tobago urged both sides of the trade mission to keep in touch to ensure successful outcomes of their meetings. She openly invited Ghanaian businesses to return a visit to the Caribbean territories to close their business deals and enjoy the Caribbean’s idyllic beaches.
Other key personalities present at the Trade Mission event included Stephen Amoah, Deputy Minister of Trade, Republic of Ghana; Dr. Joseph Obeng, President, Ghana Union of Traders Association; Yaw Amoateng Afriyie, Deputy Chief Executive Director, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre; Tsonam Clense Akpeloo, Regional Chairman, Association of Ghana Industries; Stephen Miezan, 2nd Vice President, Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and a representative from the Private Enterprises Federation.
The Caribbean Business Delegation was led by Sandra Husbands, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Trade, Business and Development, Barbados; Ginger Moxey, Minister of Grand Bahama, Government of the Bahamas, and officials from the Caribbean Export Development Agency.
Ama Gadzekpo, Head of Business Development, Ghana Airports Company Limited, was also present at the business cocktail event.
Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL)
Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL) is the registered owner of all of the banks in the Republic Bank Group – Republic Bank Limited, Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, Republic Bank (Barbados) Limited, Republic Bank (Grenada) Limited, Republic Bank (Suriname) N. V., Republic Bank (Ghana) Plc., Republic Bank (BVI) Limited, Republic Bank (Cayman) Limited), Cayman National Corporation, Republic Bank (EC) Limited and other subsidiaries.
In keeping with international best practice, this holding company was formed to offer increased operational efficiencies and optimum management of the Republic Group, ultimately leading to greater value for our shareholders and clients while enabling greater strategic focus and diversification.
