Access Bank Ghana Limited has supported this year’s Hajj with a sponsorship package worth over One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS 150,000). The sponsorship forms part of Access Bank’s contribution towards a successful pilgrimage this year. This includes the procurement of a two giant sized canopies to be mounted at the Hajj Village to accommodate pilgrims who will be embarking on the Hajj this year. The two giant canopies which are part of three being procured by the committee to provide accommodation for the pilgrims is valued at Eighty-Seven Thousand Dollars ($87,000). Commenting on the sponsorship, the Group Head of Commercial Banking, Erick Bertin Houadjeto, reiterated Access Bank’s commitment to support Moslem pilgrims on their Hajj this year and beyond. He says, “The bank has over the years shown keen interest in the Hajj and has always given support, this year is no different.” He assured members of the National Hajj Committee of the bank’s support as they embark on the organisation of the 2012 Hajj. The National Chairman of the Hajj Committee, Alhaji Alhasan Bene, on his part expressed profound gratitude to Access Bank for its continuous show of interest and support for Hajj activities in Ghana. He remarked during a meeting with the bank to disclose the sponsorship package, “with the way things have turned out, his relationship with Access Bank can only get better and the Muslim community is very grateful for this gesture.” He assured the bank that the canopies will be put to very good use. Access Bank agreed to sponsor the canopies for the Hajj Pilgrims to reduce the incidence of discomfort usually associated with accommodating the pilgrims at the village prior to their departure. Access Bank Ghana is a socially responsible organization; with a clearly developed strategy for facilitating societal development and wellbeing. It may be recalled that Access Bank in 2010 was adjudged the Most Socially Responsible Bank in Ghana. Access Bank Ghana has enjoyed one of the most successful banking growth trajectories over the last three years, achieving consistent performance across key indicators. Its recent merger with Intercontinental Bank Ghana (“IBG”) has created a formidable financial services franchise that ranks amongst the top 10 banks in Ghana.