I am concerned about the recent public notice by the Bank of Ghana on the use of Ghana Cards by financial institutions, particularly with the photocopying of Ghana Cards.
On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, I visited the GCB Bank Plc, Agona Swedru Branch to transact banking services.
I went there to have my ATM card changed. This was because, it was due to expire so I needed to have it changed to continue normal banking transactions without necessarily visiting the banking hall. I therefore got there early to enable me to finish on time and proceed to the office.
I must admit that with all fairness, I was warmly received and given a form to complete after informing the officer of my mission at the bank. After completing the form, I was requested to give my Ghana Card to another staff member to be photocopied.
I hesitated and quickly drew their attention that Ghanaians had been educated by no less an institution than the Bank of Ghana, not to allow their Ghana cards to be photocopied.
This was because it could be used by unauthorised individuals. I, therefore, quickly pulled several news items from www.graphic.com.gh to make my case. I was then directed to a booth for verification.
This is where my disappointment arose, even after the verification, the bank officials were still demanding a photocopy of my Ghana Card.
This continued for well over two hours.
In the end, I was called by one senior officer who spoke to me nicely and told me that until the photocopy was done, my ATM card could not be issued.
I then obliged to have my Ghana Card photocopied before the ATM card was issued.
My questions are: Is the Bank of Ghana directive to be ignored, or are commercial banks frustrating customers?
What should customers do when they face such challenges at the hands of bank officials?
I will be grateful if Bank of Ghana or GCB Bank supervising officials could come and either confirm or deny what is happening to determine if the Agona Swedru branch is doing something on their blind side or otherwise.
Charles Denkyi,
Agona Swedru.
