Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom, the Chairman of Group Nduom (GN), despite his age, led a peaceful two-kilometre march on a sunny Monday afternoon to demonstrate at Elmina, advocating the reinstatement of GN Bank.

Dr Nduom’s GN Bank was affected when the Government in 2017, restructured the banking sector, leading to the establishment of the Consolidated Bank of Ghana.

The march started from the Elmina Castle bridge, where Dr Nduom said: “I want them to understand that we, the people of Elmina, are resilient and unwavering.”

“We refuse to succumb to fear and we will never give up. Whether they grant us the licence or not, GN Bank will resurface after the election as promised. The Bank will resume operations from Elmina, where it all began.”

The march was largely patronised by former employees of the bank, customers and residents carrying lanterns and symbolic machetes to firm their determination.

During the procession, they intermittently poured libation at sacred intersections to appeal to the 77 deities of the ancestral land for victory against what they perceived as “malice and persecution.”

Surprisingly, the demonstrators were joined by enthusiastic people adorned in the colours of the New Patriotic Party, National Democratic Congress and the Progressive People’s Party.

The move signified their enduring admiration for Dr Nduom as a man of integrity who genuinely assisted individuals, irrespective of their political affiliations.

Dr Nduom expressed deep sorrow over the collapse of his businesses, particularly the defunct GN Bank, and accused the current government of intentionally dismantling his enterprises due to political differences, disregarding the socio-economic repercussions.

He argued that the supportive business environment for local enterprises in Ghana had been sacrificed for political advantage, highlighting that America would not prosper if it adopted the same political practices as Ghana.

He urged Ghanaians to vote judiciously in the upcoming elections, encouraging them to endorse leaders committed to safeguarding and advancing indigenous businesses.

“The future of Ghana hinges on the vitality of our local industries and enterprises; let us select leaders who will uplift, not dismantle our indigenous businesses,” he advised.