Access Bank (Ghana) has once again been appointed as 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 in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, when the Bank started its collections 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 forms 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 had demonstrated its commitment of becoming a true partner to the people and Government of Ghana through its many socio-economic development initiatives. He said that the Hajj pilgrimage was a national event which Government has over the years prioritized to ensure that thousands of citizens embarking on this journey are safe, secure and rid of the many tiring processes and hazardous situations. He mentioned that the partnership and gesture from Access Bank was in line with Government’s objectives of achieving a stress free pilgrimage”. Mr. Fuseini recalled that “he was aware of the Bank’s support for Hajj pilgrims in the past years, and was pleased that their partnership with the Hajj Committee was growing stronger and better. Whilst assuring the public of Governments active involvement and support at all times, he commended Access Bank and its leadership for its continuous investment and support for the Moslem community. He concluded by wishing all the 2013 Pilgrims well as they undertake their trip”. 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 that opportunity to be of great service. He said that: Access Bank valued the partnership and great relationship it had built with the Muslim community in Ghana. He noted that, the Bank recognized that its own survival was dependent on the economic prosperity and sustainability of the communities in which it operates. As such, it was 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 document safe. He concluded by stating that; Access Bank had come to stay and urged the people of Tamale as well as surrounding areas to take advantage of the many innovative financial services that the Bank was 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. Whilst praising Access Bank for reducing their burdens, he noted that “a reliable banking partner was always critical to the success of projects of this nature and scope”. He added that “he believes the Committee had found one, and was therefore on track in making this year’s Hajj pilgrimage the best so far”.