The year-on-year, net loans and advances have also increased by 62 per cent, up from GH¢2 billion in September 2023 to GH¢ 3.3 billion in September 2024 primarily due to new facilities given to customers as part of the bank's strategic drive to expand into new Small and Medium Enterprise and retail markets.

Mr Henry Onwuzurigbo, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Zenith Bank Ghana Ltd who announced this during a staff and management of Zenith Bank Ghana Light-Up and Carols Night ceremony, in remembrance of the birth of Jesus Christ and to formally usher in the 2024 Christmas festivities.

He said, the event was a celebration of the beginning of the Christmas season, the birth of Christ, symbolizing hope, renewal and the enduring light that unites them as a people.

The event saw melodious tunes and carols by staff of the bank to glorify God and show appreciation for his goodness throughout the highly successful year, 2024.

The Bank's building, frontage and walls were lit with beautiful colours as the lights turn on to usher in the festive celebrations.

The Bank has also decorated the Zenith Heights its Head Office and the Kotoka International pAirport enclave with lights, motifs, and Christmas ornaments to spread the Christmas cheer to the general public.

He said it further reflected the strong bond between the bank and the community they proudly served, adding that, "beyond a festive tradition, it also serves as a reminder of the resilience that defines Zenith Bank Ghana."

The CEO said with every other year, this year had its share of challenges and despite these challenges and hurdles, 2024 had been a remarkable year.

The CEO added that the bank's profits before tax also grew by 20 per cent, from GH¢735 million in September 2023 to GH¢882 million in September 2024 indicating continuous improvement in the Bank's financial performance on a yearly basis.

"It is expected that the bank will continue on this trajectory to end 2024 with an incremental profit before tax over that of 2023," he said.

Mr Onwuzurigbo said to support the financial inclusion and development agenda of the country, the bank's strategic partnerships with the African Guarantee Fund and Development Bank Ghana, had resulted in the disbursement of approximately GH¢202,790,000 in loans.

"The lower interest rates charged on these loans has expanded customer businesses and supported women-owned and women-led businesses with reduced fees and security requirements. Businesses have unlocked additional capital to improve on their cash flow in these tough economic times, "he said.

He said in demonstration of the bank's commitment to expanding its reach and taking services closer to communities, its opened three branches in 2024 in Madina, Techiman and Ashaiman.

"We equipped institutions such as the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Ho Technical University with laptops and desktop computers, extended our partnership with the West African Senior Secondary School Examinations where for the next five years," he added.

He said the bank's innovative product and service offerings earned the bank a great number of local and international awards including, Bank of the Year Ghana at the 2024 Banker Awards, Best Bank (Ghana) and Best SME Partner Bank at The European Awards.

Best Mobile Banking App and Best Financial Inclusion Service Provider at the Digital Banker Africa Awards.

"These achievements, which are stepping stones to an even brighter future for the Bank, would not have been possible without the strategic direction and leadership of our Board, the loyalty and support of our Customers, the dedication and commitment of the formidable members of Team Zenith.

"As we light up Zenith Heights and the Kotoka International Airport enclave tonight, let these lights serve as a symbol of hope, unity and the promise of a brighter tomorrow," he said.

"Let them remind us of the resilience we have shown and the aspirations we carry into the new year", the CEO said.