ACCESS BANK Ghana Plc has announced its alliance with Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft (DEG) and the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Ghana. This announcement was made at a networking reception at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra filled with a myriad of dignitaries, business moguls and ministers.

James Bruce, Executive Director of Access Bank Ghana Plc, who spoke on behalf of Olumide Olatunji, Access Bank Ghana’s Managing Director mentioned that in the last 18 months, Access Bank has teamed up with AHK and the German Embassy to organize events, conferences, seminars, and roundtables to raise awareness about its initiative to boost business growth and trade between the two countries and, eventually, the European enclave. The Executive Director argued that business growth is a non-negotiable ingredient in the development of economies and hence it is only proper that they receive the utmost attention.

“Within the period, we have built very good relationships with German brands such as BOSCH, KNAUF, Amalitech, DHL, Siemens, Fairafric, General Electric, Medical Equipment, Liebher and Bauerand provided financial support in trade finance, asset and project management. We continue to partner with our customers to grow their businesses.”
James Bruce

According to Mr. Bruce, in light of the new alliance between the two organizations, Access bank has hired a German expatriate to lead the ‘German desk’ and staff of other professionals to assist him in the organization. This, he claims, will promote the stability and effective coordination of Access Bank’s program and activities with German corporations and consequently improve business relations between the two countries.

“The bank is in the process of opening a hub in the European Union, as it continues to expand its African market, with presence in Nigeria, Gambia, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Mozambique and Congo DRC. Additionally, in the past 18 months, we have expanded our African market to Botswana, South Africa and Kenya. Presently, we operate across ten countries, the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia.”
James Bruce

His Excellency Daniel Krull, the German Ambassador to Ghana, welcomed attendees to the occasion and praised Access Bank for launching a ‘German Desk’.

“This shows that Access Bank has German needs and interests at heart. Indeed, not only for Germans but other countries.”
Mr. Krull

Mr. Krull praised Ghana’s administration for its attempts to develop a positive working environment in the country.

The German Ambassador further expressed gratitude to Access Bank for its support of German firms and promised that German companies such as the DEG and AHK will provide assistance to enterprises and urged them to invest in Ghana and Africa. This, he believes, will be a win-win situation for the two countries.

VolkerSchwab, DEG’s Vice President, discussed AfricaConnect, a German organization that helps established EU-based businesses plan their engagement in Ghana.

The vice president stated that AfricaConnect’s main goal was to establish an agreement with Africa’s partner countries. DEG, according to Mr. Schwab, provides chances to connect with local partners by assisting them in turning their dreams into reality, particularly in politically and economically challenging environments.