Category: Industry

Madam Pearl Nkrumah, the Executive Director for Retail and Digital Banking at Access Bank (Ghana) Plc, has called on financial institutions to support the advancement of Ghana’s tourism and creative arts industries.

She noted that the growth and revenue potential of the tourism sector hinged on their ability to support it and make it a fertile area for investment.

Madam Nkrumah made the call at the just ended Tourism Investment Summit held in Accra, a statement issued by the Bank, copied to the Ghana News Agency, said on Tuesday.

She highlighted the need for financial institutions to be proactive in providing tailor-made products and services to individuals and institutions earnestly growing the tourism and creative industry in Ghana.

‘Financial institutions are armed with tools and skills to play a vital role in promoting tourism in the country,’ she said.

‘And this can be effectively carried out by the provision of investment structures, loans for Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs), credit faci
lities for tourism projects, foreign exchange services, risk management, and insurance.’

‘I believe by utilising these tools, financial institutions can significantly increase the country’s tourism contribution to GDP from 4 – 5 per cent to over 20 per cent.’

Shedding light on strategic investments made by Access Bank in the sector, Madam Nkrumah said financial support to the hospitality and aviation sector amounted to $30 million.

It also deployed a digital banking solutions for payment for premier events such as Afrochella, Accra Beer Festival, and Waakye Summit, and investing substantially in entertainment and arts.

The Bank’s award-winning TV series ‘All Walks of Life’ had showcased African talent and ingenuity to the world while contributing to the growth of the industry and promoting financial inclusion.

She reiterated the bank’s unwavering commitment to supporting the growth of Ghana’s tourism industry through governmental collaborations and a continuous support for SMEs and investment in digital
technologies.

‘Moving forward, Access Bank plans to continue investing in specialized financial products for businesses in the tourism sector, collaborate more with the Government to align financial support with national tourism goals, provide funding for the development and improvement of tourism infrastructure, continue to commit to SMEs, and invest in digital technologies,’ Madam Nkrumah said.

The Tourism Investment Summit was organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture through the Ghana Tourism Development Project, in partnership with the Ghana Tourism Authority and other agencies, on the theme: ‘Tourism Investment, A Catalyst for National Development’.
Source: Ghana News Agency

Having served nearly two decades at one of the leading international airlines in the country, Ms Sarah Annan, an Operations Service Manager at Delta Air Lines looks back at her journey with glee, saying she will choose the company ‘over and over again.’

Delta Air Lines started operations in Ghana on November 1, 2006. It has gone through transformation and innovation over the years and remains the most-preferred carrier for local and international travellers.

Joining the company at its budding stages, the hardworking executive who now doubles as a Learning Records Administrator says she was inspired to build her career at Delta Air Lines as the company’s passion for community engagement ‘aligns strongly’ with her personal interests.

‘Although I joined Delta at a time when it was facing challenges, I knew it was one of the premier US carriers with a reputation for excellence. I love Delta! Even after 17 years of service, I will choose them over and over again,’ she says.

Delta Air Lines has over the years
invested in breast cancer education and awareness as well as youth development with Breast Care International (BCI) and Junior Achievement (JA) Africa respectively. This initiative has positively impacted hundreds of women and girls in Ghana.

The company also contributes to youth education and development through Innovation Camps, providing an opportunity for many students to engage in experiential learning simulation exercises, solving real-life business situations to enhance their skills and prepare them for the job market.

As Operations Service Manager in Accra, Sarah manages people, procedures and processes before, during and after each Delta flight. Her role includes supervising check-in operations, customer experience, ramp operations, amongst others.

‘I am also a Learning Records Administrator (LRA) which entails ensuring that all Delta staff and business partners handling our operations are up to date and in compliance with their required training.

‘I am also the lead Complaint Resolution Official
(CRO), meaning I am responsible for handling all issues related to our customers with disabilities. Additionally, I manage the Accra station’s Local Emergency Response Action Plan (LERAP),’ she explains.

Sarah treasures her job as she is able to interact with passengers from diverse backgrounds and also share her knowledge and experiences with colleagues and business partners.

Prior to joining Delta Air Lines, she worked briefly at a different company. She says the transition into her current role was challenging yet she was determined to continue her career in aviation and ‘work diligently.’

With many years of experience in the industry, she is impressed with technological advancement in the aviation industry in Ghana and across the world. Notable among them is the migration from paper ticketing to electronic ticketing. All of these, she says, has made travel experience ‘more seamless.’

Sarah who loves travelling, shopping and cooking, recommends Delta Air Lines, which prioritises safety and continues to
provide top-notch travel experience for all travellers.

The Bahamas and Miami remain the favourite travel destination for the dedicated aviation staff who believes ‘handling customers gets easier with experience.’ After a busy day, she catches up with friends and family over the phone to wind down.

Delta Air Lines, a leader in domestic and international travel, offers airline tickets and flights to over 300 destinations in 60 countries.
Source: Ghana News Agency

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are the lifeblood of economies, and they serve as the engines of innovation, economic growth, and job creation.

At the end of 2021, there were approximately 332.99 million SMEs worldwide, constituting over 90 per cent of businesses and accounting for more than 50 per cent of global employment.

Recognizing the pivotal role that SMEs play in shaping economies, Zenith Bank has presented SMEs and small Corporations with the SME Business Card – a revolutionary financial tool to propel their businesses to new heights.

The global economic power of SMEs

Globally, SMEs contribute significantly to economic vitality.

They represent 50 per cent of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employ 60 per cent of the private sector workforce.

The impact of SMEs extends to all corners of the globe, fuelling economic growth and fostering resilience.

Particularly noteworthy is the substantial contribution of women-led SMEs, comprising an estimated 37 per cent of all SMEs glob
ally.

In Africa, where the entrepreneurial spirit is vibrant, SMEs account for an estimated 37.7 million enterprises, contributing to 34 per cent of GDP and providing employment for 63 per cent of the workforce.

The significance of SMEs in the African context cannot be overstated, as they form the backbone of many national economies.

Closer home, there are approximately 850,000 SMEs, representing about 90 per cent of businesses and contributing to more than 80 per cent of employment.

The economic contribution of SMEs in Ghana is even more notable, constituting around 70 per cent of the country’s GDP and 80 per cent of private sector employment. Again, Women-led SMEs play a significant role in Ghana’s business landscape, accounting for an estimated 43 per cent of all SMEs.

Key features and benefits: empowering SMEs for success

The Zenith Bank SME Business debit card is an inclusive approach which ensures that businesses ranging from the local hair and cosmetics dealer in Makola to pharmacies on Ring Road
and boutique law firms at Adjiriganor can benefit from it.

Powered by a partnership with Visa, the Zenith SME Business Card stands out from traditional corporate and individual cards. Its distinctiveness lies in its laser focus on addressing the unique needs of SMEs. The SME Business Card unlocks a myriad of features designed to empower SMEs on their journey to success.

A higher spending limit provides businesses with the flexibility to make essential purchases, while exclusive discounts in partnership with Visa focus on digital interactions, including Facebook and Instagram ads.

These discounts serve as a catalyst for business growth, offering tangible benefits to SMEs engaging in the digital marketplace.

Beyond facilitating transactions, the Zenith SME Business Card plays a pivotal role in guiding credit decisions.

By analysing the average spending of cardholders, the bank gains insights into their financial behaviour. This informed approach ensures that credit limits are set at levels that align with
the financial capacity of the business, fostering responsible financial management.

Recognizing that SMEs often face challenges in financial management, Zenith Bank goes a step further by offering a complimentary accounting software, QuickBooks, through its partnership with Visa. This value-added service assists SMEs in reconciling their debits and credits, providing a clearer picture of their financial health.

One of the critical elements of the SME Business Card is the commitment to financial literacy. In response to the common concern of limited access to financial education, Zenith Bank is developing an SME financial literacy skills platform.

This platform will allow SMEs to learn at their own pace, gaining access to courses that empower them with essential financial knowledge. Importantly, this platform will be exclusively accessible to SME Business Cardholders, ensuring that they have a competitive edge in terms of financial literacy.

Security is a paramount consideration in the design of the Zenith
SME Business Card. Employing state-of-the-art technology, the card features PIN and chip-enabled security, offering a robust defence against unauthorized transactions.

The inclusion of 3-D Secure for online transactions adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring a secure digital experience for cardholders. Real-time notifications further enhance security, promptly alerting cardholders to any unauthorized activity. In the event of an unauthorized transaction, prompt communication with the bank through the 24-hour Zenith Direct Contact Center ensures swift resolution.

Support is a cornerstone of the SME Business Card offering. Cardholders benefit from access to the 24-hour Zenith Direct Contact Center, which provides global support regardless of their location.

Additionally, each cardholder is assigned a dedicated Relationship Manager, ensuring a personalized and responsive customer experience.

Seamless integration: obtaining your SME Business Card

Acquiring the SME Business Card is a straightforward proc
ess for existing Zenith Bank account holders. By completing a simple form dedicated to the SME Business Card, in-branch, via your Relationship Manager or online, businesses can unlock the potential of this tailored financial tool. With a commitment to efficiency, Zenith Bank endeavours to provide cardholders with their SME Business Card within 24 to 48 hours, ensuring a quick and seamless integration into their business operations.

Zenith Bank: pioneering tailored solutions.

Mr. Henry Onwuzurigbo, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of Zenith Bank Ghana Limited, said the initiative was born out of a realization that SMEs in Ghana face a significant credit gap which is exacerbated by the limited availability of financial products tailored to meet the unique needs of SMEs.

‘The introduction of the SME Business Card addresses this gap, giving SMEs a financial tool expressly designed to cater to their specific business requirements’, he said.

Targeting businesses in the commercial sector an
d small corporates, Mr. Onwuzurigbo said the card is tailored for enterprises with as few as one employee to those with up to 100 employees, whose annual turnover does not exceed the cedi equivalent of US$5 million.

Promise of growth: Zenith Bank’s commitment to SMEs

The MD/CEO assured that Zenith Bank stands as a steadfast partner in the journey of SMEs, providing not just financial tools but a holistic support system that propels businesses towards unparalleled success.

‘As SMEs embrace the SME Business Card, Zenith Bank promises to deepen the ecosystem continually. Through ongoing usage and valuable feedback from cardholders, the Bank pledges to expand partnerships, further enhance the features and benefits of the card, and ultimately contribute to the sustained growth of businesses,’ he added.

Zenith Bank Ghana is a subsidiary of Zenith Bank Plc, headquartered in Nigeria with a presence in other West African Countries, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. It is a member of the Ghana Deposit Protection S
cheme.
Source: Ghana News Agency

What attracted you to working at Delta?

Although I joined Delta at a time when it was facing challenges, I knew it was one of the premier US carriers with a reputation for excellence.

How long have you been at Delta?

17 years. I started working at Delta on 1 November 2006, when it started operations in Accra.

Why Delta Air Lines?

I love Delta! Even after 17 years of service, I will choose them over and over again. Delta’s passion for community engagement aligns strongly with my interests. Delta has invested in breast cancer education and awareness, and youth development with Breast Care International (BCI) and Junior Achievement (JA) Africa respectively. Through this commitment, women and girls in Ghana have benefited from breast cancer educational programmes. Delta contributes to youth education and development through Innovation Camps. Many students have benefited from the experiential learning simulation exercise, solving real-life business situations to enhance their skills and prepare them for futu
re workforce.

Tell me more about your job.

I am an Operations Service Manager, in Accra, Overall, my role is to manage the operations, which involves managing people, procedures and processes before, during and after each Delta flight. This includes supervising check-in operations, customer experience, ramp operations, amongst others. I am also a Learning Records Administrator (LRA) which entails ensuring that all Delta staff and business partners handling our operations are up to date and in compliance with their required training. I am also the lead Complaint Resolution Official (CRO), meaning I am responsible for handling all issues related to our customers with disabilities. Additionally, I manage the Accra station’s Local Emergency Response Action Plan (LERAP).

What is your favorite part of your job?

Interacting with passengers from diverse backgrounds, as well as sharing my knowledge and experiences with colleagues and business partners.

Have you experienced any obstacles in your career and how hav
e you overcome these?

Prior to working at Delta, I worked for an airline which was wound up unexpectedly. Even though I was fortunate to have gained employment with the handling company that eventually took over the handling operations at the Kotoka International Airport, the transition was challenging but I was determined to continue my career in aviation and worked diligently.

What changes have you seen in aviation / travel since you started your career?

Key changes I have experienced include the transition from paper ticketing to electronic ticketing and the technological advancement of airports in Ghana and around the world, which have made the travel experience more seamless.

What one thing have you learned in your current job above everything else?

Handling customers gets easier with experience.

Why should people choose Delta?

We prioritize safety and our customers’ needs and offer hospitality from the heart.

Where is your favorite place to travel?

The Bahamas. Miami is a close second.

What ar
e your hobbies? How do you unwind after a busy day?

My hobbies include travelling, shopping and cooking. After a busy day, I love to catch up with friends and family over the phone.
Source: Ghana News Agency

Colonel Cyril Necku (retired), former Deputy Volta Regional Minister, has reiterated the importance of a permanent site for Volta Trade and Investment Fair activities.

He said the Fair started as Volta Trade and Investment after which culture was added to enable the various Municipal and District Assemblies to showcase their culture and cultural troupes.

Colonel Necku, who is one of the initiators of the Fair, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) called on the organisers and stakeholders to endeavour to get a permanent site for the Fair.

He said at a point the expense of hiring pavilions and other equipment was high hence the idea to develop a site which would become a permanent one.

Colonel Necku said a permanent site would be designed to be able to meet the demands of the Fair anytime it was held in the region as well as be used as events ground for cultural activities.

He said it was a good thing for the event to become an annual one to give people the impetus to do a lot of innovations t
o promote the Volta region.

Colonel Necku said one commendable thing was the sustenance of the Fair to its sixth edition because other regions that started similar things could not sustain them.

He noted that the patronage of the sixth edition had not met expectations, adding that it could be due to the economic situation in the country.

The Fair is back to the Ho Jubilee Park, its origin after moving to the Ho Sports Stadium during the fifth edition in November 2021.

The sixth Volta Trade and Investment Fair began on November 26 and is expected to end on December 10, 2023.

It is on the theme: ‘Leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for Economic Development’.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in the Eastern Region has visited over 186, 181 customers within three weeks of the ‘Operation Fix the Bill and Pay the Bill ‘initiative.

Mrs Sariel Adobea Etwire, Eastern Regional General Manager for the ECG, told the Ghana News Agency that the population visited was 60 per cent of the targeted customer population of 318, 433 in 14 ECG districts in the region.

The districts consisted of Akim Oda, Akwatia, Asesewa, Asamankese, Begoro, Donkorkrom, Kibi, Kade, Koforidua, Mpraeso, Nkawkaw, New Abirem, Suhum and Akim Tafo.

She explained that the initiative was to inspect customers’ post-paid meters, capture consumption readings and produce actual bills.

This, Mrs Etwire indicated, was to ensure the integrity of meter readings, build customer confidence in bill delivery and also allow customers to pay arrears.

She entreated customers who had received estimated bills or had issues with their bills to visit the ECG offices for redress to make payments on time to prevent p
enalization.

Mrs Etwire assured all customers that the ECG would continue to provide a safe, reliable and quality power supply to promote the growth of the region.

Source: Ghana News Agency