James Adentwi Bruce
ACCESS BANK Ghana Plc has announced that in partnership with Deutsche Investitions –Und Entwicklungsgesellschaft (DEG) and the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Ghana (AHA), it continues to offer business solutions to German corporates in Ghana and the sub-region.
Access Bank announced this at a networking reception at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra.
James Bruce, Executive Director of Access Bank Ghana Plc, who spoke on behalf of Olumide Olatunji, Access Bank Ghana’s Managing Director, said, in the past 18 months, Access Bank has collaborated with AHK and the German Embassy, to organise events, conferences, seminars and roundtable discussions, to increase awareness about its agenda to promote business growth and trade between the two countries and subsequently the entire European enclave.
“Within the period, we have built very good relationships with German brands such as BOSCH, KNAUF, Amalitech, DHL, Siemens, Fairafric, General Electric, Medical Equipment, Liebher and Bauerand provided financial support in trade finance, asset and project management. We continue to partner with our customers to grow their businesses,” he said.
Mr. Bruce said the bank has employed a German expatriate who will better appreciate issues from the German context to head the desk and a team of other professionals to support him.
This, he said, ensures the stability and fruitful coordination of programmes and activities of the relationship between Access Bank and German corporates.
“The bank is in the process of opening a hub in the European Union, as it continues to expand its African market, with presence in Nigeria, Gambia, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Mozambique and Congo DRC. Additionally, in the past 18 months, we have expanded our African market to Botswana, South Africa and Kenya. Presently, we operate across ten countries, the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia,” he explained.
German Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Daniel Krull, welcoming participants to the event, commended Access Bank for opening a German Desk.
He said “This shows that Access Bank has German needs and interest at heart. Indeed not only for Germans but other countries.” He also commended the government of Ghana for its efforts in ensuring a conducive working atmosphere in Ghana.
He thanked Access Bank for supporting German businesses and assured that German companies such as the DEG and AHK would offer support programmes to companies and encourage German companies to invest in Ghana and in Africa.
VolkerSchwab, Vice President of DEG, shed light on AfricaConnect, a German organisation that supports established EU headquartered companies to plan their engagement in Ghana.
He noted that the primary focus of AfricaConnect, was to set a compact with Africa partner countries. Mr. Schwab also noted that, DEG offers opportunities to network with local partners, by helping to turn their dreams into reality, especially in politically and economically challenging environments.
A business desk report