Airtel Ghana, today launched a partnership with GESRO Co-operative Credit Union which enables members to re-pay their loans, save or check their contribution through their award winning mobile commerce service, Airtel Money.
Today’s partnership adds to the success story of Airtel Money by allowing members of GESRO to transact business with their union at their convenience. GESRO members registered on Airtel Money simply have to load electronic money (e-value) on their phone wallet from any of the partner banks, Airtel Money agents, Airtel shops or Airtel distributor outlets. Thereafter they can repay their loans, save or check saving balances with their Airtel phone number as their reference.
Airtel Money has successfully penetrated the mobile commerce market with over one million Airtel customers registered for the service since its launch earlier this year. Airtel customers have enjoyed the safety and convenience of money transfers through seven hundred agent points throughout the country and hundreds of branches of their partner banks - Ecobank, UBA and Standard Chartered Bank.
GESRO Co-operative Credit Union is a micro-finance institution that serves members of the Ghana Education Service and the business community of the Western Region, particularly Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis. The Union has two branches in Takoradi, one in Tarkwa, one in Agona NKwanta and another at Daboase, in the Western Region of Ghana. All the branches are linked on-line to enable members to access their accounts, loan repayment schedules and savings balance at any branch.
The Union intends to mobilize street hawkers, particularly in Takoradi, to save two Ghana cedis per day with the union for one year. At the end of the year, GESRO would then acquire a shop for the savers within a market exclusively for hawkers.
At the launch of the partnership, Kola Sonola, M-Commerce Director, Airtel Ghana, remarked: “Airtel Money is a unique and versatile service which is changing the landscape of monetary transactions. The partnership with GESRO is the latest in the numerous situations where Airtel electronic money (e-value) can replace cash. It is safe, efficient and very convenient.’ He therefore encouraged GESRO members to register for the Airtel Money service and make the most of this partnership for their ultimate benefit..
Kusi Boachie Yiadom, Chief Executive Officer of the Union commented on their commitment to forming a mutually beneficial relationship. ‘This partnership with Airtel Money service will greatly enhances our access to mobilizing funds by allowing our members the flexibility of 24/7 disbursements and payments anywhere in the country. It will reduce administrative costs, and release our agents to recruit more members and grow the business. It is a very quick, simple and safe process that will enhance our customers’ satisfaction and promote growth.
In signing up for the Airtel Money service, members will initially be required to register their personal details, with a valid photo ID, with any of the Airtel agents, Airtel distributor outlets and Airtel shops nationwide or any of the partner banks -UBA, Standard Chartered Bank or Ecobank and their nationwide branches.
Registration for Airtel Money automatically registers the customers SIM card as directed by the NCA. After purchasing e-value to load on their mobile wallet, members can use Airtel Money to make their daily contribution and repay their loans. Members can also use it to top up their airtime, send and receive money and pay for goods and services in shops.
The service is protected through a state-of-the-art security application and members’ money is always safe, as a password is needed for every transaction carried out.
About Airtel in Africa
Airtel is the new brand name for the 16 Zain operations across Africa which was acquired by Airtel International in June 2010. Airtel is driven by the vision of providing affordable and innovative mobile services to all. Airtel has African operations in: Burkina Faso, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Madagascar, Niger, Nigeria, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Airtel International is a Bharti Airtel company. For more information, please visit www.airtel.com
About Ghana Education Service Co-operative Credit Union
GESRO Co-operative Credit Union is a micro-finance institution that serves members of the Ghana Education Service and the business community of the Western Region, particularly Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis. The Union has two branches in Takoradi, one in Tarkwa, one in Agona NKwanta and another at Daboase, in the Western Region of Ghana.
For more information contact:
Henking A. Adjase-Kodjo
Airtel Ghana
M:0262 222 260
E: Henking.Adjase@gh.airtel.com Nana Amu Fleischer-Djoleto
Ogilvy Africa Media
M: 0264457185
E: nana.fleischer-djoleto@ogilvyafricamediagh.com