By Ernest Bako WUBONTO
The newly-appointed Managing Director (MD) of GCB Bank, Farihan Alhassan, has paid a courtesy call on the Ga Traditional Council, courting His Royal Majesty Tackie Teiko Tsuru II’s support for the brand’s operations on Ga land.
According to him, as a royal himself from Tamale, he is conversant with Ghanaian traditions and customs which demand businesses and inhabitants of any land pay homage to the custodian and traditional council, hence the decision to embark on such a critical exercise with his management.
The MD revealed that over 50 percent of banks’ profits are made under the Ga-Traditional Council’s jurisdiction where it operates over 30 branches, necessitating an interest in things that happen at its helm of affairs.
“We have about 30 branches here in the Greater Accra area and so it is key to our operations. We came to greet the Ga Mantse and also seek his guidance in our operations for an amicable coexistence,” he said.
The MD stated that the bank is committed to supporting both the private sector and government in achieving intended socioeconomic development.
The bank pledged its support for the benevolent and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives of the royal palace.
To that effect, the bank committed to opening a Ga Mantse Development Fund Account with a seed fund of GH¢100,000 to support the chief’s CSR initiatives.
The Ga Mantse, Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, in return congratulated the new MD and commended him for observing Ghanaian traditions and showing respect to the traditional council as custodian of the land.
He emphasised that the Ga palace is the home of Ga tradition, norms and customs, holding a rich cultural heritage for its people that’s available for all visiting guests to appreciate.
Touching on the Ga Mantse Foundation, he outlined some key initiatives under the fund – such as support in ICT and digital skills development among the youth.
“The Palace has engaged in some CSR activities like building schools, supporting women traders, equipping youth with entrepreneurial skills and even supporting teen-age mothers to regain their lives,” he said.
He prayed to God for his guidance and stewardship of the bank to support the nation’s socioeconomic development.
He called on management of the bank to help in keeping the city clean through addressing personal hygiene and sanitation issues in the capital.
