Barclays Bank, over the weekend introduced a new service, Prestige Banking, at its Osu branch in Accra.

The new service, which will enable customers to carry out banking transactions outside normal banking hours, will also give them a comprehensive range of special services such as free standing orders, an exclusive Barclays cash card, and access to centres in other African countries.

Mr Victor Selormey, a Deputy Minister of Finance, observed at the launch that the financial services industry has in recent times been undergoing varying degrees of transformation in different parts of the world. These changes, he said, are driven mainly by the effects of globalisation, technological advancements and competition. Mr Selormey pointed out that with the inequalities in trade terms between developed and developing economies, the latter are faced with the challenge of keeping up with the pace of global competition. "In spite on these, government is determined to ensure that its economic performance stay broadly in line with targets."

He stated that in order to keep in touch with the global market and make Ghana an attractive investment destination in Africa, government would create the congenial environment through the development of a healthy and reliable financial services industry. He urged financial institutions to reciprocate this gesture by supporting government efforts. He also commended Barclays Bank for its lead role in the wave of innovations in technology, customer service, product development and image definition, and its increasing support to both the private and public sectors of the economy. While lauding Barclays Bank for its long-standing reputation as

a trail blazer in the financial services sector, the deputy minister reminded it that the only way to protect this image and ensure long-term sustenance of its new initiatives is for it to continue to provide customers with good quality service.

Mr Kobina Quansah, Managing Director, pledged the bank's determination to make strategic investments and continuously diversify its services and products to meet changing customer needs. He said Prestige Banking Service, which is the first of its kind in Ghana, shows Barclays' commitment to put the customer first. He said more centres would soon be set up in other parts of the country "to ensure that the service quality is maintained and easy accessibility guaranteed so that customers could enjoy the banking they deserve."