According to the Managing Director of the company, Dr Fred Safo-Kantanka, almost half of its budgetary allocation for 2022 had been earmarked for small businesses to be able to support the economy.

“Industrialisation is the engine of the economy. If these people are not supported, we will not be able to build the economy the way we want it.

Next year, we are going to support the MMSEs. We are pushing a lot of money to support them with about half of our budget allocated to them. We will be focusing our attention on those in the market, kayayei, and petty traders,” he said.

Challenges

Dr Safo-Kantanka further stated that the company had gone through a lot of challenges including the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19), but with the support of the staff and board, it had made major achievement.

“I took over at a challenging time. With determination and hard work, we have been able to do a lot for this institution. As of November, we had even exceeded our profit targets for the year. It wasn’t easy, I had to push. At a point, I wasn’t popular here, but today, it has paid off,” he said.

On the bank’s digital agenda, the MD said about 14,000 customers had been roped into its Wo Phone Nie, Wo Sika Nie platform between September and December as against the 4000 customers projected earlier.

Next year, Dr Safo-Kantanka said the company would also be introducing an application to make banking easier and faster for its customers.

Carols service

The carols service was interspersed with scripture readings by some staff and management of the company to glorify God for His protection throughout the year and to reaffirm their belief in the birth of Jesus Christ.

Some of the carols which were sang by the Best Chorale Group included Joy to the World, Hark Hark, Ding Dong Merrily, Sweet Chimming Bell, Christmas Day as well as poetry recitals, choreography, and a short sketch by the JC and JC Group.

The event afforded management and staff the opportunity to interact with customers and forge ahead for the growth of the company.

Readings

The first reading was performed by Mr James Okrah, the second by Ms Millicent Okrah, while the third by Mr Martey Ago-Mensah, all staff of the bank.

The fourth lesson was read Mrs Maame Frimpomaa Nartey, the fifth by Mr Lawrence Opoku-Acheampong, the sixth by Mrs Majorine Appiah-Darkwah, seventh by Mr Emmanuel Josephine Amposah, eighth by Ms Mandy Afrifah, with the ninth lesson read by Mr Mark Kyei Darko.

Exhortation

In an exhortation on the theme ‘Don’t forget God’s Goodness,’ a head pastor of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), Reverend John Edudzie, reminded the staff, management and customers of the bank not to forget how God had been faithful to them.

He said the Lord had been good to the company, adding that “you cannot but to say you are grateful to God.”