Regional News of Wednesday, 1 August 2007

Source: GNA

V/R branch of BoG launch 50TH anniversary celebrations

Hohoe, Aug 1, GNA- Mr. Kofi Dzamesi, Volta Regional Minister on Tuesday said prudent economic and coherent fiscal policies being championed by the Bank of Ghana has made the national economy attractive for investment. He added that apart from leading the economic achievement of the country, Bank of Ghana continue to be a role model among the comity of financial giants on the African continent.

Mr. Dzamesi said this in an address read on his behalf by Mr. John Peter Amewu, Hohoe District Chief Executive at the launch of the 50th anniversary of the Volta Region branch of Bank of Ghana with an exhibition at Hohoe. The anniversary, which was differed from July 31st to August 12, is on the theme "50 years of central banking". He praised the bank for rejuvenating the banking landscape and making it competitive and that it's stability and other returns have reduced inflation as well as benefits of external debt relief from multinationals.

Mr. Charles K. Sefa, Regional Branch Manager said the occasion offers opportunity to promote the bank's mission, vision, operations and values. He commended the general public for the cooperation exhibited during the re-denomination exercise and urged them to protect the new bills from mutilation, soiling, crumbling and counterfeiting. Mr. Sefa said the bank would work assiduously to pursue some monetary and financial policies aimed at price stability necessary to create an enabling environment for sustainable economic growth. He saluted Dr. Paul Acquah for being a recipient of a national award resulting from his diligence and dedication to duty and paid tribute to the board, management, staff and the business community at large. Togbega Gabusu IV, Paramount chief of Gbi Traditional Area who presided, suggested that the branch office's built in 1962 be rehabilitated to merit its status.

An exhibition by the Bank displayed some of the currencies used in the country since 1947. Some of the currencies were the 1953 West African Currency Board coin of 20 shilling, the 1,000 Ghana Pounds of 1958, one Ghana Pound of 1962, two shilling of 1947, the new currency notes, bulletins, magazines, reports and newsletters of the bank. Mr. Gabriel Adiku, an octogenarian and a retired educationist said he was filled with nostalgia when he saw the old currencies used in the past saying "those were the good old days". Some of the activities lined up for the two-week programme include public lectures, film shows, fun games and a thanksgiving service.