The Bank expects to realise this goal with the opening of ultra-modern branches in areas such as East Legon, Achimota and Harper Road in Kumasi.

Speaking at the launch, Managing Director of the Bank, Reverend Fitzgerald Odonkor, said the Bank has set out to invigorate its brand with a “renewed vision to become the local bank of excellence for African markets and the strategic goal of becoming a tier one bank by the end of 2020.”

He said for a local firm to accomplish such glorious feats in three years after achieving its universal license is an “indication that indigenous firms can grow to compete with the best in the world with the right leadership, enabling environment and support from relevant stakeholders”.

That notwithstanding, however, he said the bank would not relent in its efforts as the achievements so far are only “basic steps in our quest to grow into a world class bank with footprints in Africa and other parts of the world.”

He said in pursuit of management’s goal to remain the preferred bank in Ghana, it has strengthened the executive leadership and also enhanced its human resource capital to make the bank more adept at responding to changing customer needs and the dynamics of the banking industry.

Besides, the bank had installed the latest core banking applications to increase operational efficiency and streamlined processes to make them highly responsive to unique customer needs. He said the bank’s notable strength is its ability to innovate by developing simple and relevant solutions to meet the banking needs of its clients.

This has culminated in the launch of Speedpay- an innovation that allows customers to make deposits with their mobile phones and Speedpay money vouchers. According to the Managing Director banking is about developing customised solutions with speed and precision to satisfy the unique needs of individuals and strategic market segments.

“We have restructured our business units and enhanced our human capital to give critical attention to market sectors and also enhance our ability to churn out more customised solutions speedily.” Head of Retail Banking, Mrs Eunice Brocke, said the Labone branch presents a world class ambience with a strong African identity that celebrates African heroes.

She said the branch is one of four equipped with Priority Banking centres, providing customised and premium solutions to meet client demands. The other branches with the Priority Banking centres include Spintex, Osu and the new Harper Road branches. The launch follows the bank’s recent pronouncement as the Best Growing Bank, Best Bank in Savings and Deposits and Best Household and Retail Bank at the recent Ghana Banking Awards.