A significant Caribbean investment bank in Ghana, Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC, has played a major role in the first Caribbean Trade Mission to Ghana, which was sponsored by the Caribbean Export Development Agency.
Participating in the two (2) day event at the Marriot Hotel in Accra were representatives from the 15 territories that make up the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Mr. Deodat Maharaj, Executive Director of the Caribbean Export Development Agency – Organisers of the Trade Mission, stated that the Caribbean-Ghana relationship should go beyond just sharing a common history and culture, adding that “It should also include commerce and export activity.”
In light of this, the Executive Director noted that Ghana is the Agency’s main area of concentration in developing trade relationships that would increase prospects for the mutual benefit of the two nations and their populations.
On his part, the Managing Director of Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC, Mr. Benjamin Dzoboku, said “for there to be successful and impactful Caribbean-Ghana trade relations, a financial conduit is a critical requirement.”
He claimed that because they are located in both regions, Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL) and Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC have the expertise, stability, and financial clout to act as a conduit and source of funding to advance trade.
Mr. Dzoboku further stressed that Republic Bank Ghana draws from the over 185 years’ banking experience of its parent, RFHL.
“We are driven by our beliefs in Healthy Risk Management, Financial Prudence, and unwavering Customer Focus. Our approach to Resilient, Relevant and Responsible banking has helped us secure our status as a Sound, Safe and Secure Bank.”
Mr. Benjamin Dzoboku
Incorporation Of Historic Drive To Achieve Caribbean Trade Mission
During the mission’s business cocktail event hosted by Republic Bank Ghana at the Ebankese Gardens, Head Office, the head of the mission, Mr. Charles William Zwennes, commemorated the history of slavery and the responsibilities played by Ghana and the Caribbean.
Mr. Zwennes complimented the trade mission’s intentional drive for rekindling the concept of the “Freedom Fighters” from Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Dr. Rigg Williams for south-south trade, stating that “These discussions should yield the results that will unite the two in great international trade partnerships.”
He cited Republic Bank of Ghana’s outstanding success as an encouraging example of Trinidad and Tobago’s foreign direct investment.
Other key personalities present at the Trade Mission event included, Hon. Stephen Amoah – Deputy Minister of Trade, Republic of Ghana, Dr. Joseph Obeng – President, Ghana Union of Traders Association, Mr. Yaw Amoateng Afriyie – Deputy Chief Executive Director, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Mr. Tsonam Clense Akpeloo – Regional Chairman, Association of Ghana Industries, Mr. Stephen Miezan – 2nd Vice President, Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a representative from the Private Enterprises Federation.
The Caribbean Business Delegation was led by the Hon. Sandra Husbands, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Trade, Business and Development, Barbados, Hon. Ginger Moxey, Minister of Grand Bahama, Government of the Bahamas, and officials from the Caribbean Export Development Agency.
At the business cocktail event was also Madam Ama Gadzekpo, Head of Business Development at Ghana Airports Company Limited.
Read also: Dr. Atuahene Urges BoG To Issue FSSF Bonds To Attain Financial Sector Stability
