Access Bank (Ghana) Plc is celebrating 15 years of innovative banking in Ghana. The anniversary celebrations which will span the next 12 months are indicative of the Bank’s journey of growth, innovation, and commitment to excellence in the Ghanaian banking sector.
Over the past 15 years, Access Bank (Ghana) Plc has not only established itself as a leading financial institution but has also achieved a series of remarkable firsts that have significantly contributed to the evolution of banking in Ghana.
Since its inception in August 2009, Access Bank (Ghana) Plc has consistently led the way in introducing groundbreaking initiatives and services that have reshaped the financial landscape. Some of its numerous accomplishments over the last decade and a half include:
- First Bank of Nigerian heritage to list on the Ghana Stock Exchange: In 2017, Access Bank Ghana made history by becoming the first bank of Nigerian heritage to be listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange, reflecting its strong performance and commitment to corporate governance.
- First Bank to launch Women Banking in Ghana: Demonstrating its commitment to empowering women, Access Bank Ghana pioneered the launch of Women Banking in Ghana, providing tailored financial solutions and support for women entrepreneurs and professionals.
- First Bank to issue local cards (GH Link Cards): Access Bank Ghana was the first to introduce GH Link Cards, offering customers a convenient and secure way to access their funds and make transactions locally.
- First Bank to Host a Bond Market Seminar: In its dedication to financial education and market development, Access Bank Ghana hosted the first-ever Bond Market Seminar, bringing together industry experts and stakeholders to discuss and explore the bond market’s potential.
- First Bank to develop a Banking Academy Programme: Recognizing the need for continuous professional development, Access Bank Ghana launched the first Banking Academy Programme in the country, equipping staff with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the dynamic banking environment.
- First Bank to host a full virtual Annual General Meeting: In response to the global pandemic, Access Bank Ghana was the first bank in the country to successfully host a fully virtual Annual General Meeting, ensuring transparency and shareholder engagement in a safe and accessible manner.
- First Bank to Implement a Video Contact Centre: Pioneering customer service innovation, Access Bank Ghana introduced the first Video Contact Centre in the country, enhancing the customer experience through personalised and efficient service delivery.
Additionally, Access Bank has been recognised for its outstanding efforts in environmental, social, and governance practices, winning prestigious awards such as Euromoney’s 2024 Awards for Excellence for Ghana’s Best Bank in ESG. The Bank’s dedication to sustainable practices and community impact sets a remarkable standard for the industry, reflecting its ethos of responsible banking.
The Bank has also established a reputation for engaging stakeholders and partners to implement pertinent and impactful Sustainable interventions. Recently, Access Bank Ghana demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability through various initiatives.
The bank has actively supported environmental and social causes, some of the bank’s sustainability initiatives include the Green Ghana Day tree planting exercise, Womenpreneur Pitchaton, Fist Against Fistula, SME Fairs & Clinics, Waste Is Useful campaign, Coding for Kids (C4Kids), and ‘A Sandal More for a Better Tomorrow’ project, an initiative that seeks to produce eco-friendly and comfortable footwear from used car tyres for deprived school children across the country, as well as using solar energy at ATMs to reduce the bank’s carbon footprint.
The Board Chair of Access Bank (Ghana) Plc, Ms. Ama S. Bawuah in an anniversary message to the bank’s customers and other shareholders said, “over the past 15 years, we have grown from a modest organization to a leading financial institution in Ghana, proudly serving hundreds of thousands of customers and businesses across the country. Through every challenge and opportunity, your trust and partnership have been instrumental in our growth and achievements. For this, we are extremely grateful”.
On his part, the Managing Director of Access Bank (Ghana) Plc, Olumide Olatunji in his address to staff, customers, and all stakeholders remarked “these accomplishments would not have been possible without your support. Whether you have been with us from the beginning or joined us along the way, your contribution has been vital to our success, and we are deeply grateful.”
He further assured that “Access Bank (Ghana) Plc will keep striving to provide value to all our stakeholders and we will continue to contribute towards the development of the banking industry as well as the economy of Ghana”.
“As a sign of our immense gratitude, we have chosen to celebrate this momentous anniversary by giving back to you, to society, and to the nation as a whole. In the coming months, we will be launching a variety of social impact initiatives as a way of saying thank you for your continued support,” he concluded.
Access Bank (Ghana) Plc, over the past 15 years, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to understanding its customers’ needs, consistently delivering exceptional service, and empowering individuals and businesses alike. With a focus on financial education, innovation and customer service excellence, Access Bank has become a trusted partner in supporting customers achieve their financial goals, driving sustainable growth, and fostering a prosperous community.
