Story by Lawrence Odoom/Phalonzy
The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) has inaugurated a pioneering 24-hour service at the Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority (GPHA) in Tema, a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering Ghana’s 24-hour economy agenda.
This visionary step is set to revolutionize the payment of handling charges, thereby streamlining port operations and fostering a more efficient and dynamic economic environment.
Edward Ato Sarpong, the erudite Managing Director of ADB, underscored the bank’s commitment to providing bespoke financial solutions that cater to the exigent needs of importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and customers who navigate the complexities of international trade. “By instituting a 24-hour banking service, ADB is empowering port stakeholders with the flexibility to conduct financial transactions at their convenience, thereby ensuring the uninterrupted flow of operations,” he elucidated.
Mr. Sarpong further emphasized that this initiative is an integral component of the bank’s overarching strategy to transcend traditional banking paradigms, as encapsulated in its new tagline “Beyond Banking…”. He revealed that ADB is poised to extend the 24-hour service to other payment collection points across the country, thereby amplifying economic activities and stimulating growth.
The introduction of this innovative service is anticipated to have a profound impact on Ghana’s economic landscape, particularly in the realms of job creation, export promotion, and productivity enhancement. As Sarpong astutely observed, “The 24-hour economy is not merely about extending operational hours, but rather about generating added value, fostering decent employment opportunities, and propelling productivity to unprecedented heights.”
He added that, by spearheading this initiative, ADB is set to redefine the contours of financial services in Ghana, providing a paradigm shift that will undoubtedly catalyze economic momentum and propel the country towards a more prosperous future.
