Zenith Bank Ghana Limited has donated ¢1 million to the Covid-19 Fund established by the government to complement the fight against the virus.

The cash donation is also to assist government as it seeks the welfare of the needy and vulnerable in society.

Officials of the Bank presented the amount at the Ministry of Information press briefing, Tuesday.

The donation was made by Board Chair of Zenith Bank, Freda Duplan; Board member, Anthony Oteng-Gyasi; the Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank, Akindele Ogunranti and Board Secretary, Daniel Agamah.

This gesture is in addition to an earlier contribution made by Zenith Bank to the ¢10 million donation earlier presented by the Ghana Association of Bankers (GAB) to the Covid-19 Fund.

Speaking at the presentation, the Board Chair of Zenith Bank, Freda Duplan said, “Covid-19 has re-emphasised the need for all of us; government, corporate entities, private sector and individuals to work together for the common and greater good of our dear nation, Ghana.

"Solidarity has never been more critical to overcoming challenges than in this period.

"Our donation to the National Covid-19 Fund is, therefore, reflective of the Bank’s mission as a corporate organisation to invest in our environment to underscore our commitment to achieving customer enthusiasm.”

On his part, the Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank, Mr. Akindele Ogunranti noted, “These unprecedented times require every segment of the society to contribute their quota to support government’s efforts towards mitigating the impact of the Coronavirus”.

"We are grateful for President Akufo-Addo's timely intervention and the measures put in place to combat the spread of the Coronavirus in Ghana.

"Meanwhile as part of measures to ensure that the Bank’s staff comply with set protocols in combatting the spread of the coronavirus, Zenith Bank has reduced its workforce by 50% through the creation of a shift system i.e. rotating staff nationwide," he said.

He said in addition to that, certain categories of staff such as pregnant staff, nursing mothers, staff with medical conditions, etc. have been granted leave to stay at home to protect them from any COVID-19 exposure risk.

"Moreover, the bank has provided individual sanitizers to all staff and to teams to ensure they constantly observe the precautionary measures instituted by the Ghana Health Service.

"Furthermore, Zenith bank is strictly implementing a 3-step process of washing hands, sanitising and temperature checks before staff, customers and visitors are granted entry into the bank’s buildings," he said.

Mr Akindele Ogunranti disclosed that the bank has also appointed hygiene champions in all departments and units to ensure all team members are reminded to wash their hands at scheduled times.

He said there has been the implementation of a distance of two meters in the workplace to observe the social distance precautionary measure.

The Zenith Bank boss said in addition, a maximum number of ten customers are allowed entry into the banking halls at any point in time.

As people are encouraged to conduct their transactions using digital channels during this period, Zenith Bank has also ensured full functionality of its electronic channels (e.g. zenith cards, ZMobile app, Internet Banking, Bank2Wallet - mobile money, USSD code - *966#, GlobalPAY, etc.) to enable customers carry out their banking transactions from the comfort of their homes.

To this effect, customers are guaranteed a safe and secure banking experience via Zenith Bank’s electronic channels.

Some incentives which have been granted include; the waiving of all interbank transfer fees on the bank’s digital platforms; mobile wallet transactions below ¢100 also do not attract any charges.

Mr Akindele Ogunranti said, "it is the Bank’s fervent prayer that the pandemic will be short-lived and that sooner than later, life as we all know it shall return to normal."