On the momentous occasion of the 74th birthday of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the 25th anniversary of his reign as the King of the Asante Kingdom, GCB Bank PLC (GCB Bank) extended its heartfelt accolades to the revered traditional leader.
His Majesty’s profound contribution and impact on Ghana, along with his unwavering support for the Bank’s growth is deeply appreciated. His visionary leadership, which has fostered unity, development, and cultural preservation, has permeated every part of the country, much like the extensive reach of GCB Bank.
GCB Bank has over the past 25 years of its 70-year rich history benefitted from the peaceful, stable economic and social environment fostered by the Asantehene in both the Ashanti Region and Ghana as a whole. During his reign, the Bank has recorded some notable achievements in the region including consistently winning Gold and Platinum awards at the annual Ashanti Financial Services Excellence awards since 2002. These accomplishments have immensely contributed to the Bank’s overall growth, providing opportunities to support business, organisations and give back to communities in the Ashanti Region.
GCB Bank is the largest networked bank in the Region with 23 branches. This extensive presence offers ample investment opportunities and has created employment for over 279 staff. The Bank’s presence, especially in remote and underserved areas such as Agona, Nkawie and Dunkwa-on-Offin which are often overlooked, has played a significant role in reducing the unbanked population and enhancing financial inclusion.
With branches spread across the Region, the Bank has assisted numerous businesses in scaling up and expanding through its diverse products and services. Over the years, key businesses and organizations in education, hospitality, food processing, construction, hospitals, and pharmaceuticals have received support from GCB Bank to meet growing demand. This reflects the Bank’s commitment to providing unrivalled financial solutions for the socio-economic development of the nation.
The Bank has not relented in its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) duties and has been involved in a myriad of activities and programmes aimed at elevating the lives of individuals and communities in the Region. These activities and programmes align with the Bank’s CSR focus areas; education, environment, social, economic and governance.
An exemplary instance of GCB Bank’s social contribution in the Ashanti Region is its support for the establishment and operation of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Career Centre. The Centre aims to bridge the skills gap between academia and industry, providing career advancement opportunities. To date, it has served over 2,000 students and alumni of the University, where the Asantehene serves as the Chancellor.
Beyond educational support, GCB Bank is also dedicated to promoting sports in the Region. Demonstrating this commitment, the Bank recently funded the construction of an international standard Astro Turf football pitch, benefitting over 100,000 residents of Nhyiaeso and its surrounding communities. Moreover, the Bank has been a steadfast supporter of the Royal Golf Club in Kumasi for over three (3) years.
In recognition of the ongoing support GCB Bank has received in its operations within the Ashanti Region, the Bank proudly stands with the Asantehene on His Majesty’s Silver Jubilee. The Bank acknowledges that the Asantehene’s support over his 25-year reign has significantly propelled socio-economic growth in the Ashanti Region. To celebrate this anniversary, the Bank supported the release of a commemorative stamp by Ghana Post.
Furthermore, as part of the year-long activities marking the Silver Jubilee celebration, GCB Bank extended its support to the 150th Anniversary of the Sagrenti War and the Centenary Anniversary of Otumfuo Prempeh I’s return from exile. These contributions reflect the Bank’s commitment to honouring the rich heritage and ongoing progress of the Ashanti Region.
GCB Bank PLC is a leading player in Ghana’s banking industry, with 184 branches, 340 ATMs and several banking agents strategically positioned across the country. As Ghana’s premier indigenous bank, GCB Bank has, since its establishment in 1953, been described as an important contributor to Ghana’s growth in multiple sectors including oil and gas, agriculture, commerce and others. The Bank has transformed itself into one of Ghana’s most modern banks in terms of its financial intermediation capabilities including digital payment platforms and consequently its corporate reputation both at home and abroad. The Bank’s relationship with its stakeholders is delivered on a platform of trust, support and collaboration and anchored through its brand promise, “Your Bank for Life”.