Anum Rural Bank PLC records 21% increase in total operating income ... Makes strides amid difficult banking climates
The Anum Rural Bank PLC recorded a total operating income of the bank of GH¢24,571,027 in 2024 as against GH¢20, 156,774 in 2023, representing an increase of 21 percent.
“This comes in the wake of increase in fuel prices, high utility tariffs, and 25 percent corporate tax which continued to slow down businesses, in addition to the five percent growth and sustainability levy,” said the Chairman of the bank’s Board of Directors, Richard Sarbah Eshun.
He said at the 42nd Annual General Meeting of the bank at Anum-Boso in the Eastern Region last Saturday that the last two years were very difficult for most businesses, but Anum-Rural Bank was resilient and sailed through the difficulties with merit.
The meeting, which was attended by more than 200 shareholders of the bank, was on the theme: Anum Rural Bank PLC – A Partner in Progress
For instance, Mr Eshun said the bank managed to post a profit before tax of GH¢3.64 million last year, as against GH¢3.98 million in 2023, representing a decrease of 8.56 per cent.
He said shareholders fund appreciated from GH¢12.90 million in 2023 to GH¢14.58 million in 2024, a year-to-year growth of 12.97 per cent.
Meanwhile, the bank recorded a net income GH¢22.57 million as against GH¢20.16 million in 2023, Mr Eshun said.
The board chairman announced the Bank of Ghana had approved a dividend of 0.95GP per share amounting to GH¢697, 394 for the year ending December 31, 2024.
Community engagement
Mr Eshun said the bank continued to invest in the people and communities to enhance living standards and sustainable development with scholarships, charity, and donations as part of its corporate social responsibility.
In that regard, he said, GH¢72,261 was spent on community development activities and to better the lives of the people.
On workers’ strength, Mr Eshun said Anum Rural Bank currently had 99 staff and 33 Susu collectors who provided excellent services to customers.
The President of the Eastern Region Association of Rural Banks, Dr Patrick Tandoh, who was special guest at the meeting, said it was gratifying communities entrusted rural banks with their monies, fostering financial inclusion, empowering local economies, and building a sustainable future.
He urged rural banks to build strengthen their human resource base, saying the success of any institution hinged on the quality and dedication of the people.
“We must, therefore, continue to priortise the training and capacity building programme to equip our teams with the skills needed to navigate emerging technologies, regulatory changes, and customer expectations,” he added.