Palpable excitement, particularly amongst operators of Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises, has greeted the reopening of the Tema Branch of FBN Bank.
The move is consistent with the lender’s vision of being a vehicle for driving financial inclusion and overall development in the country and Tema, in particular.
Featuring FBN Bank’s unique design language, the entirely renovated and newly opened office reflects the bank’s desire of providing customers – existing and prospective – with a number of a bouquet of touchpoints. These touchpoints include 22 brick and mortar branches, contact centers, a network of agents, a host of third-party options as well as digital web-based and mobile options.
Speaking at the event, which was graced by dignitaries including the Member of Parliament for Team East, Isaac Ashai Odamtten; and the Tema Mankralo, Nii Agbo, amongst others, Managing Director of the bank, Victor Yaw Asante indicated that the branch, which was originally commissioned in the year 2000, was dear to the heart of his outfit.
This, he noted, was because Tema is characterised by trade, which is the core focus of the bank.
“For us at FBN Bank Ghana, Tema is significant because it is a manufacturing and trade hub… and not least because Tema is locally nicknamed ‘the Harbour City’ because of its status as Ghana’s largest seaport… This branch is benefiting from an improved design and layout and it provides a better interface for customer interaction and will offer an improved customer experience.”
Continuing, he said: “Equally important, this branch is strategically located in an SME-heavy area for obvious reasons and we are certainly looking far beyond a physical presence to a vibrant touchpoint for our customers.”
Mr. Asante added that the bank has ensured that its staff is well trained to deliver top-notch services to its diverse customer base.
“From the market woman who displays her wares on a table top, to the captain of industry, we have products that will cater to their diverse needs and our staff are well-equipped to tailor made suggestions,” he said.
Member of Parliament for the area, Isaac Odamtten, speaking to a section of the media after the event, reiterated calls made by the traders for easier access to credit at reasonable rates.
He however noted that having interacted with FBN Bank in various capacities, he was optimistic that the bank will not relent in its goal to be the go-to point for traders of all capacities.
“I worked with this bank for a decade prior to moving to the Metropolitan Assembly and I can attest to the values the bank espouses and we will see what novel measures we can apply to address the concerns of the market women, especially the matter of access to credit. Hopefully, we will see them more formally organised and since the bank has established contact with the leaders, we can expect good business to follow.”
