Accra, Feb. 11, GNA - Barclays Bank (Ghana) Limited would be 90 years old on Valentines Day, Wednesday, February 14, 2007, a statement issued by Mr. Gayheart Mensah, Manager Public Relations said at the weekend.

It quoted Mrs Margaret Mwanakatwe, Managing Director of Barclays Ghana, who said: "The coincidence of our 90th birthday with Ghana's 50th birthday demonstrates how inseparable Barclays and Ghana have become. "We have remained committed to the country through thick and thin, since we launched our operations in Ghana 90 years ago.

"Our faith and confidence in Ghana's institutions and processes and in the country's roadmap towards development, as well as in the people of this country remains unshakeable," she said The statement said Barclays commissioned its first branches in the then Gold Coast on February 14, 1917 and has grown to be the leader in Ghana's banking industry.

It said Barclays has contributed to the socio-economic development of the country through its numerous products designed for individuals, businesses adding, "Barclays remains focused on Ghana's economic development and will continue to lead in the evolution of innovative banking products tailored to the everyday needs of customers." The statement said birthday cake-cutting ceremonies at all branches nationwide, which will be shared with the Bank's valued customers and the communities in which it operates would be a major activity to commemorate the anniversary.

"The main ceremony will take place at the Osu Branch of Barclays Bank on February 14, 2007," it said.

The statement said other activities include knowledge-sharing lectures as well as relationship-building programmes that would contribute to Ghana's future growth and development. "A pre-birthday lecture on 'The future of Retail Banking will' also be held," it said.

The statement further said February 14 2007 would be "show time" at all Barclays branches across the country with customers receiving a special treat, including specially made Barclays@90 chocolates as birthday gifts.

It said Barclays would sponsor the Ghana Investment Summit to be held in Ghana in May 2007 in partnership with the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC) and the Ghana Investment Promotions Centre (GIPC).

"The Bank will also organize a three part public lecture on pertinent issues in the industry in June," it added.

The statement concluded that the key message for all these activities would be: "We are 90 years in Ghana and committed to playing a leading role in Ghana's Future".