Prudential Bank and UnionPay International intensify support for Ghana-China traders through card education drive
Prudential Bank Ghana, in partnership with UnionPay International (UPI), has launched a targeted customer engagement initiative aimed at boosting the use of UnionPay cards by Ghanaian traders conducting business in China.
The initiative, which involves a series of practical educational sessions, is designed to familiarise customers with the evolving digital payment landscape in China, particularly the use of QR codes, contactless payments, and Point of Sale (POS) systems. The goal, according to the organisers, is to equip traders with the tools and knowledge necessary to conduct seamless and secure transactions while abroad.
The first session was held at Prudential Bank’s Head Office in Accra, where officials from both Prudential Bank and UnionPay International interacted with a cross-section of customers engaged in cross-border trade between Ghana and China.
Bennette Nyewala of Prudential Bank’s Card Services Team explained the rationale behind the programme. “UPI, as a global card brand championing digital payment, ensures that its cardholders travelling to China can take full advantage of QR code payments and contactless technology,” he said. “Our goal is to help customers transact seamlessly and securely on platforms that are widely accepted in the Chinese market.”
Bright Agbottah, West Africa Regional Manager for UnionPay International, underscored the centrality of QR code-based transactions in the Chinese economy. “QR codes are the most popular way to pay for goods and services in China,” he said. “We encourage traders from Ghana to link their Prudential Bank UnionPay cards to Alipay and WeChat apps. This setup supports large-value transactions, offers convenience, and aligns with local payment norms.”
He also noted that POS and contactless payment systems offer robust alternatives, ensuring Ghanaian cardholders can operate across a wide range of commercial settings in China.
The Chief Information Officer at Prudential Bank, Leopold Armah, affirmed the Bank’s long-term commitment to supporting Ghanaian businesses engaged in international trade. “We are ready and available to assist our customers in transacting successfully in China. We also encourage traders to open business accounts for structured expense management,” he said.
Mr Armah further revealed that Prudential Bank will launch commercial UnionPay cards by the end of the year, enhancing payment options for corporate clients. “Our personalised engagement strategy, backed by data analytics, allows us to proactively address the needs of traders and businesses. Prudential Bank remains one of the few institutions offering solutions across all three major global card schemes—a testament to our values of innovation and diversity,” he added.
He also noted the increasing importance of China, Japan, and South Korea in global trade, emphasising that the Bank is repositioning its card services to help Ghanaian businesses maximise opportunities in these markets.
Participants at the session expressed gratitude for the engagement, noting that it had demystified many aspects of digital payments in China and would greatly enhance their ability to manage funds and operate efficiently while abroad.