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GCB to introduce Master and Visa cards soon
Accra, March. 28, Ghanadot/GNA- Mr
Lawrence N. Adu-Mante, Managing Director of Ghana Commercial
Bank (GCB), on Friday, told shareholders that the Bank had
acquired a legal certificate to enable it to operate Master
Card later this year.
He said the card would be introduced soon and would be
followed by GCB Visa card, both of which would enable
customers to access their money wherever they are in the
world.
"Our master and visa cards will not limit our customers to
this country alone. They will allow customers to have access
to their money in other currencies anywhere in the world,"
he said.
Mr Adu-Mante made the announcement amidst applause at the
Bank's Annual General Meeting (AGM). He was answering a
question as to why GCB Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards
restricted customers to only GCB ATMs.
The questioner, a shareholder, noted that other ATM cards
from other banks with the Visa Electron service enabled card
holders to access their money from any ATM labelled VISA or
VISA Electron.
Mr Adu-Mante said in addition to Master and Visa cards, GCB
was also part of the initial group of companies that would
start the Bank of Ghana’s E-zwich card, which would also
enable customers to access their money everywhere in Ghana,
including shops.
He said the Bank was also in the process of extending ATM
services to some of the deprived communities in the country,
including parts of Northern Ghana and Eastern Region, adding
that, feasibility studies was also underway to build new
branches in Koforidua and some other towns.
Some shareholders called on the board to bring new branches
to communities such as Dansoman and Tamale.
Others called on the bank to establish a brokerage
department and also to give loans to shareholders without
demanding collateral and guarantors from them.
The AGM was also characterised by some drama with
shareholders usually clashing in efforts to second motions.
A shareholder sitting comfortably in the front role, to
ensure that the panel on the head table saw him, voted
against every single motion, to the amusement of other
shareholders.
Another shareholder queried why the bank made a donation to
the Ghana@50 secretariat, when that money could have been
used to augment shareholders' dividends.
GNA
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