GCB Bank to make banking accessible to faith-based organisations
GCB Bank PLC has reiterated its commitment to deepening financial inclusion across all sectors of society, including faith-based communities as part of efforts to make banking more accessible and inclusive for all.
To that end, the largest networked bank will launch a special “Hajj Account” to support Muslims preparing for the pilgrimage.
“This account is typically going to help Muslims who have aspirations of embarking on the religious journey to the holy land of Mecca,” the Executive Head of Retail Banking, GCB Bank, Sina Kamagate, said this when he led a delegation from the bank to pay a courtesy call on the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, at his residence in Accra yesterday, ahead of this year's Eid-ul-Adha celebration tomorrow.
“We are creating this account to include those who have small, small amounts that they need to build and make it for the journey,” he explained.
Mr Kamagate further stated that the bank does not discriminate in the services it offers, explaining that GCB provided tailored banking solutions for all groups, including churches, emphasising that the bank remains committed to being a leader in driving financial inclusion across the country.
Financial inclusion
The executive head of retail banking, GCB Bank PLC explained that as an institution, one of its core principles was service to all segments of society regardless of religious affiliation.
“When we talk of financial inclusion, the headquarters is the GCB because we are in places where no bank would even go. And so, we know the responsibility is on us as a bank and we would live up to that,” he said.
The bank donated a bull and an undisclosed sum to the Islamic leader in recognition of the significance of religious celebrations in the country’s multi-faith society and the critical role of religious leaders in maintaining peace and harmony.
It was part of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and a longstanding tradition of supporting the National Chief Imam and the Muslim community during major Islamic festivals.
“We don’t downplay the role of our eminent chiefs, clerics and religious leaders because the peace we enjoy in this country is because of their watch and their prayers.
“We are here because of Eid-ul-Adha. We know the Chief Imam accommodates a lot of people.
We’ve all been beneficiaries of his benevolence,” Mr Kamagate, a practising Muslim, stated.
Prayer
Sheikh Sharubutu, speaking through his spokesperson, Sheikh Arimiyaw Shaibu, prayed for the GCB Bank and the country.
“May Allah bless you as a company and as individuals.
May He never bring any misfortune to you.
May He grant you protection, unite your minds and bring abundant blessings in the work that you do,” he said.
He also prayed for peace in conflict-prone areas such as Bawku and asked Allah to guide the President and his appointees to do what is right for the country.
