Kumasi (Ash), March 20, GNA - Corporate Initiative Ghana, a consortium of multinational and national companies, has launched a national bank survey for 2007 Ghana Banking Awards in Kumasi on Wednesday. This year's awards, which is the 7th of the series is themed "Promoting easy Banking for all: individuals and businesses", will measure the performance of the 23 universal banks in Ghana on 16 key indicators. It is aimed at facilitating improved financial services in Ghana and to stimulate healthy competitions among banks.

Speaking at the launch Mr. Afotey Odarteifio, Executive Secretary for Corporate Initiative Ghana, said Kumasi was selected as venue for the event because of its unique expectation with customer services from banks.

Among the 2007 Ghana Banking Awards categories are Customer Care, Advisory Services, Trade Finance, Short Term Loan Financing, Long Term Loan Financing, Product Innovation and Retail Banking. Mr. Isaac Owusu, the Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD Ghana, said Ghana's economic terrain had attracted interest and attention in recent times due to continuing economic and structural reforms. He said with the recent discovery of oil in commercial quantities, banks needed to expand and increase their capital base to contain the major boom and the associated huge investment needed. He called for the establishment of products and operating systems which will promote easy banking for all Ghanaians.

Oheneba Aduse-Poku, Akyempimhene, said it was necessary for banking to be developed and commended CIG for instituting the awards for banking.