Access Bank Ghana has once again been appointed the partner bank for this year?s Hajj pilgrimage.
The appointment was based on Access Bank?s successful partnership with the National Hajj Committee and the Moslem community since, when the bank started its collection of Hajj travel fees.
To facilitate smooth and convenient payments across the country, Access Bank has set up additional payment centres to serve the needs of the over 7,000 prospective pilgrims and agents.
The new payment points are situated in Wa and Bolgatanga, complementing the bank?s existing presence in Tamale to adequately serve the three northern regions, which form the nucleus of the Moslem fraternity in Ghana.
The new locations bring to 41 the total number of branches and payment locations where the bank is collecting travel fees on behalf of the National Hajj Committee.
Speaking at a launch ceremony held in Tamale on Tuesday to officially announce Access Bank?s designated collection points to the general public, the Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr. A.B.A Fuseini, noted that ?Access Bank has demonstrated its commitment of becoming a true partner to the people and Government of Ghana through its many socio-economic development initiatives.?
He said the Hajj pilgrimage is a national event which government has over the years prioritised to ensure that the thousands of citizens embarking on this journey are safe, secure and rid of the many tiring processes and hazardous situations.
He said the partnership and gesture from Access Bank is in line with government?s objective of achieving a stress-free pilgrimage.
While assuring the public of government?s active involvement and support at all times, he commended Access Bank and its leadership for its continuous investment and support for the Moslem community.
In a speech read on behalf of the Managing Director, Mr. Dolapo Ogundimu, the Executive Director of Operations & IT at Access Bank Ghana, Alhaji Kameel Adebayo, thanked the government, National Hajj Committee and leadership of the Muslim community for giving the Bank the opportunity to be of great service to the country.
He said Access Bank values the partnership and great relationship it has built with the Moslem community in Ghana.
The bank, he said, recognises that its own survival is dependent on the economic prosperity and sustainability of the communities in which it operates. As such, it is committed to investing in a socially and environmentally responsible manner to deliver value for all its stakeholders
Alhaji Kameel announced that besides taking the business decision to set up new locations in Wa and Bolgatanga, which will reduce the risks associated with keeping or travelling with money all the way to Tamale, the bank will also donate about 6,800 travel pouches to pilgrims. He said the pouches will help the pilgrims to keep their monies and documents safe.
?Access Bank has come to stay and I urge the people of Tamale as well as surrounding areas to take advantage of the many innovative financial services that we are bringing to their doorstep.?
The Executive Secretary of the National Hajj Committee, Mr. Nashiru Abdulai, expressed his satisfaction at preparations made so far towards a smooth and stress-free Hajj pilgrimage.
He praised Access Bank for reducing their burdens, and noted that ?a reliable banking partner is always critical to the success of projects of this nature and scope. I believe the Committee has found one and is therefore on track to make this year?s Hajj pilgrimage the best so far.?
