Access Bank (Ghana) Limited, has fulfilled its promise to the National Hajj Committee in providing two giant air-conditioned tents to accommodate the over 5,500 pilgrims who will embark on the Hajj pilgrimage this year. The tents, valued at an estimated Eighty-Seven Thousand Dollars ($87,000), have been erected at the newly created Hajj village near the Accra Polo Court. Joining the media and other Government dignitaries to tour the new facility, the Head of Commercial Banking at Access Bank Ghana, Erick Bertin Houadjeto, said that he was pleased with the quality of the tents and had no doubt about its safety and security, giving the beautiful environment within which it had been mounted. He said that Access Bank will continue to play its role in strengthening public-private partnerships in the country. This he said, is the only way to facilitate and realize most of our social development goals, which Access Bank was strongly committed to as a catalyst for economic development’. Briefing officials on the tour, a member of the National Hajj Board Alhaji Fuseini Mahama mentioned that Access Bank has over the years shown keen interest in the Hajj. He remarked that a lot of work had been done and money invested to create a conducive and stress free environment for the pilgrims. He thanked Access Bank for its contribution and assured the Bank that the tents will be put to good use. The 2012 pilgrimage is expected to start this Saturday September 29, with a first flight to Mecca. Organizers say that the tent accommodation provided by Access Bank will reduce the discomfort usually associated with housing the pilgrims prior to departure. Access Bank Ghana is a socially responsible organization; with a clearly developed strategy for facilitating societal development and wellbeing. The Bank was adjudged the Most Socially Responsible Bank in Ghana in 2010. Access Bank 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 banks in Ghana serving over 175,000 customers.