Ghana Commercial Bank Limited (GCB) has given a symbolic "Christmas Gift" to the chiefs and people of Nungua in the Krowor-Ledzokuku Municipality of Accra by opening an ultra-modern branch on the main Nungua-Tema road.

The establishment of the Nungua branch, which is the 157th of the Bank has deepened the 43 years of cordial relations between the community and GCB. The Bank has since 1966 established a presence in Nungua with the location of its prestigious Training School, which has been a resource centre for the training of bankers across the West African sub-region.

Delivering the key note address, the Managing Director of GCB, Mr. Lawrence Adu-Mante, expressed his gratitude to the chiefs and people of Nungua for welcoming the Bank to the community.

The opening ceremony, attended by the Member of Parliament for Krowor Constituency and Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Nii Kwei Kuma, witnessed the thronging of the branch by residents of Nungua and surrounding areas to open bank accounts.

Mr. Adu-Mante justified the establishment of the new branch saying that Nungua is commercially viable and the people, very enterprising.

The township has high profile hospitality institutions, distilleries, cold stores, fishing companies, other commercial entities, schools and churches among others.

He explained that in planning towards GCB's expansion, the Management of the Bank adopted a three-prong approach to open new branches at any strategic location with a potentially large customer base, rehabilitate some of its existing branches and also enhance the Bank's services all over the country.

The MD expatiated on the importance of offering one-stop banking services, saying "our aim is to provide the same platform for the offering of diverse products and services including internet-based ones with convenience as the over-riding factor."

"Today GCB can boast of 157 branches and 11 agencies and numerous products including GCB-MasterCard, the card with global access because you can travel abroad with this card and still be able to access your account locally and withdraw the local currency of the country you are in."

Mr. Adu-Mante said the Commernet Plus, GCB's internet banking service, gives customers direct control of their accounts even outside the usual banking hours.

He said the Bank has modernized its operations and is now well-placed to keep its customers abreast with modern trends in banking and by international standards.

The MD revealed that in recognition of these strides achieved by GCB, a number of institutions have approached the Bank eager to take advantage of the Bank's network and upgraded systems to facilitate their payment systems as required by the nature of their businesses.

He asked businesses, investors and small and medium scale enterprises operating in Ghana to avail themselves of GCB products and services to enable their businesses flourish.

The Deputy Managing Director, Operations, Mr. Samuel Sarpong who chaired the function, said GCB has transformed its processes for the benefit of its customers to give meaning to its motto: We Serve You Better.