The opening of the branch brings to 16 the number of branches of the bank in Greater Accra Region and 33 in the country.

Speaking at the opening of the new branch, the Group Head for Consumer and Retail Banking, Mr Peter Fordjor, said the move formed part of the bank’s medium-term strategy to deepen its retail presence in the country.

“The opening of the Madina branch is also part of our strategic goal of expanding our delivery channels and presence to customers, especially women,” he said.

MrFordjor said CalBank had set itself to concentrate on women entrepreneurs adding that “about 40 per cent of businesses are owned by women but they struggle to access finances.”

 He indicated that CalBank had set up a women’s banking unit with the aim of helping women entrepreneurs and businesses build their capacity to access financing.

“This is a unique feature we have as a bank which I think in this environment which is business prone environment will play to our strength as a bank,” he added.

He said there were about 11 bank agents within the Madina enclave to help customers open bank accounts and transact businesses.

“As the bank continues with its physical growth agenda, we will open additional branches subject to regulatory approvals by the end of the year as part of our strategy to have branch presence in all the new regions and localities in the country,” MrFordjor, said.

The Group Head Corporate of CalBank,  Ms Justina Laing said the “bank has  employed innovative in-branch digital self-service platform which has drastically transformed in-branch banking and reduced the use of paper and long queues in the banking halls.”

 “This will enable customers experience the delight, convenience and security in the banking hall,” she said.

She urged the staff to serve the customers of the bank well and treat them with respect.

BY JEMIMA ESINAM KUATSINU AND ANITA ANKRAH