By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY
The Board Chairman of Ahantaman Rural Bank PLC, Eric Danning Esq, has encouraged bank shareholders to buy more shares as an effective way of running a profit-making business.
“Each share represents an equal portion of the company’s total capital, because it increases over the time. Since the Bank of Ghana has approved dividends to be paid, I implore you to buy more shares,” he appealed.
He said the bank’s growth and profitability has over the decades been attributed to good corporate governance and resilience in the face of crisis.
He was speaking at the bank’s 40th anniversary durbar on the theme ’40 years of Ahantaman Rural Bank – Impact on Stakeholders and Community’, at Apowa in the Ahanta West municipality of Western Region.
The bank, he said, has since 2003 consistently ranked in the prestigious Ghana Club 100 Awards and also received numerous awards from reputable organisations; such as a Gold Award in the Rural Banking Category during the 14th Western Regional Business and Financial Services Excellence Award.
Also, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Benjamin Afful -Eshun was awarded the Global Well-Respected CEO prize.
Again, Ms. Elizabeth Obeng was awarded the Most Outstanding Female in Rural Banking at the Feminine Ghana Achievement Awards.
“Best Bank in Corporate Social Responsibility & 1st Runner-up in Loan Financing at the 5th Rural Banks Excellence Awards were also taken by the ARB-Ghana,” he added.
On Corporate Social Responsibility, the Board Chairman said the bank has also invested massively in areas such as scholarship for tertiary students, support for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assembly’s (MMDAs) Farmers Day, equipment for the Blood Bank at Jubilee Catholic Hospital and relief items for flood victims among others.
“On the occasion of our 40th anniversary, Ahantaman wishes to express our profound gratitude to our teaming customers, shareholders and the public for their loyalty and commitment in doing business with us,” he said.
He assured all stakeholders that the bank is more resilient and formidable than ever to meet all banking needs in a responsible manner.
Mr. Samuel Gyimah Amoako, Head-Finance, ARB Apex Bank, applauded the bank, shareholders and management for being the most profitable RCB over the years.
“Profit Before Tax,” he said, “has always done extremely well. Your bank has the second largest networks among rural banks in the country.
“Over the decades, Ahantaman has constantly received recognition at Ghana Club 100 among others,” he added.
Nana Kwesi Agyeman IX, Omanhene of Lower Dixcove Traditional Area and a former Director and Pioneer member of the bank, reminded staff and management of the toil by founding members and need for the current administration to be committed and dedicated in preserving values that established the bank.
He recalled the roles of Mr. William Kojo Thompson, Peter Kwame Ansah, James Mike Abban and Etru Inkumssah among others in blazing the path that has become a shining light national rural banking.
Benjamin Afful-Eshun, Chief Executive Officer-Ahantaman Rural Bank PLC, also commended staff for their hard work and dedication that has led to the bank’s sterling performance over the years.
The occasion brought together influential players in the banking industry, directors – past and present, shareholders, customers and the public. Some deserving individuals and institutions were also honoured at the durbar.
The bank’s 40th anniversary was climaxed with a thanksgiving service.
