Access Bank (Ghana) Limited is poised to rank amongst the top 3 Banks in Ghana within the next 5 years in terms of financial performance and general banking ethos. This was revealed, after the Bank held its 5th Annual General Meeting at the La Beach Hotel in Accra. The meeting, which comes after the first financial year of the merger between Intercontinental Bank and Access Bank, saw an increase in the shareholder base of the newly merged entity. The Board Chairman, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, informed shareholders that the Banks strength and resilience were tested by the post merger and regulatory trials during the period. Despite the challenges, the Bank continued to post a strong financial performance which was consistent with results of the past four years. He said that the continuous focus on strong corporate governance and risk management structures that are akin to global best practices is ensuring that the Ghana franchise is sustainable and provides the needed value for shareholders and host communities. The Bank’s Profit Before Tax (PBT) increased by 261% from GHS12.87 million in 2011 to GHS 46.43 million in 2012 while Gross Earnings increased by 347%; from GHS37.70 million to GHS 168.40 million, underscoring the Bank’s increased earning capacity. Similarly, its Pre-Tax Return on Assets ratio also remained as one of the industry’s highest, standing at 5.8%, which is almost 2% above the industry average of about 4%. Speaking on the strategies the Bank will be pursing in the coming year, the Managing Director, Mr. Dolapo Ogundimu noted that Access Bank will strengthen its retail business with new investments in technology and innovative banking solutions. He mentioned that the Bank will also increase its national footprint by expanding its branch network and automated channels. This year will see an additional four branches in new locations. At the end of the meeting, shareholders expressed satisfaction at the Banks performance and adopted the 2012 audited financials as presented by KPMG for the period. Shareholders also approved the appointment of Messrs PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) as the new Auditors of the Bank in line with global best practice and the Banks corporate governance framework. Mr. Dela Selormey, an accomplished Banker and immediate past Head of the Banking Supervision Department of the Bank of Ghana, was introduced to shareholders as a new director of the Board.