The Republic Bank has officially opened its first branch in Ho, marking a significant milestone in its expansion strategy within the Volta region.

The formal inauguration ceremony brought together prominent business leaders, traditional authorities, and members of the community, all of whom lauded the bank’s commitment to supporting businesses and fostering economic growth.

Speaking at the event, the CEO of Tanko Foundation, Gabriel Kwamigah Tanko Atokple, shared his personal experience in the gold trading industry, emphasising the crucial role of financial institutions in business success.

"Years ago, I had the opportunity to be licensed to buy and sell gold. The basic tenet of my business has to do with liquidity, yet accessing financial support from traditional banks was a major challenge," he noted.

Mr Atokple recounted how bureaucratic banking procedures nearly crippled his company, making it difficult to seize business opportunities on time. However, he credited Republic Bank for providing the flexibility and support that enabled him to expand his gold export business to Peru, Uzbekistan, Dubai, and other international markets.

"This is the bank that sits with you to understand your business, your challenges, and how best they can help you grow," he said.

In a passionate address to young entrepreneurs, Mr Atokple urged them to seek partnerships with Republic Bank, citing its commitment to customer satisfaction and business support.

"Feedback, they say, is the breakfast of champions. One positive feedback I can give to you is that Republic Bank prioritizes customer satisfaction. Their customer service is always ready to assist, and I have personally experienced it," he stated.

With Republic Bank now in Ho, Mr Atokple encouraged business owners to take advantage of the bank’s presence, emphasizing that it is a trusted financial partner for startups and established businesses alike.

The Dufia of Ho Heve, Torgbui Anikpi, also expressed enthusiasm about the bank's establishment in Ho, highlighting the city’s fast growth and its potential to attain Metropolitan status in the near future.

"Indeed, we are excited to witness this historic event—the establishment of Republic Bank’s first branch in Ho. We have heard so much about the bank, and today, we are grateful to see its presence in the Volta Region," Torgbui Anikpi stated.

He emphasised the economic benefits that Republic Bank's presence would bring, particularly in terms of job creation and financial support for small businesses.

"With the expansion of Ho, we expect new businesses to emerge, creating employment opportunities for our youth. This is why we are pleased that Republic Bank is now here," he noted.

The traditional leader also called on the bank to provide customer-friendly services, especially for market women and small-scale business owners, given its proximity to the market.

"We believe that with your presence, more businesses will thrive. Our doors are open, and we are prepared to cooperate with you. Welcome to Ho," he assured.

Mr Atokple also made a special appeal to Republic Bank to align its services with Ghana’s evolving economic policies, particularly the 24-hour economy initiative recently introduced by the government.

"The world is evolving, and policies such as the 24-hour economy require banks to adapt and support businesses accordingly. I urge Republic Bank to integrate this policy into its operations to further drive economic growth," he suggested.

As Republic Bank expands its footprint across Ghana, its commitment to business growth, financial inclusion, and customer satisfaction continues to solidify its reputation as a bank of choice for entrepreneurs and business owners.