IFS@10: Gratitude, Big Dreams mark celebrations

IFS Financial Services Ltd has held a thanksgiving service as part of activities celebrating the company’s 10th anniversary.

The colourful yet solemn event held at the forecourt of the company’s head office at Opeibea House in Accra, witnessed an outpouring of gratitude by executives, shareholders, staff and clients who also used the occasion to rededicate the company and its operations to God for his sustenance and protection in the coming years.

Delivering a short sermon based on Matthew 5:13-16, Rev. Morris Appiah of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), urged the leadership of IFS to strive to grow the company and its operations beyond the borders of Ghana, for it is destined to be a great business.

Speaking on the topic, A city set on the a hill, he said the company cannot afford to lose its relevance nor dim its light, counseling that Jesus’ use of the two powerful metaphors (salt and light) to refer to his followers, implies that they must affect the world, community, home, family, workplace and marketplace positively, just as salt perfects the inner being while light shines outwardly and is visible to all.

Mr. Kojo Ohene-Kyei, Chief Executive and Founder of IFS (Left) and Rev. Morris Appiah

Rev. Morris Appiah congratulated the leadership and staff of the company for their sacrifices, dedication and commitment to building the company, praying also that God who began with them and has brought them thus far, will in the coming years make them “bigger, greater and better”.

“I have come to encourage you, and not only to encourage you but also stay you up with the words of Jesus that IFS, you are a city set on a hill… I declare to you, shine your light, shine your light. You are the light, shine your light.

“Ten years ago IFS was established and founded on Biblical and Christian principles with faith of God and determination to see God at work with you in this specialized area of business. I believe the purpose of founding and setting up this company is not just to become one of the companies around, but to become one of the best in the industry”, he said, urging the leadership to look beyond occasional challenges to be able to see the many opportunities designed to launch the company into greatness.

The Chief Executive and Founder of the company, Mr. Kojo Ohene-Kyei said from its humble beginning of five staff ten years ago, IFS now boasts 62 permanent and 40 contract staff, with an average age of 31 years.

A section of clients at the thanksgiving service.

Speaking on the theme for the thanksgiving service: Ten years of trusted partnership, scaling higher heights - he said not only has IFS emerged on the national stage as a leading force in the Ghanaian financial services industry, it has also built a solid financial base resulting from the development of a wide range of innovative products and services.

Mr. Ohene-Kyei said the company intends to be more focused on its customer service and become a household name and a national brand, and expressed hope that ongoing reforms by the Bank of Ghana will help restore the stability of the industry that has been hit by mistrust resulting from recent developments.

He said apart from the pursuit of becoming a national brand, the company will also focus on building its key strengths and collaborate with other investors to rapidly grow the business, adding that “with the help of all of us here I am sure we shall exceed our own expectations.”