Managing Director of Barclays Bank Ghana Ltd., Mrs. Patience Akyianu, has insisted that the announcement made by Barclays Plc. -- of off-loading some of its shares in Barclays Africa -- will have no impact on the operations of Barclays Ghana.

Last Tuesday, Jes Staley-CEO of Barclays PLC announced that the UK-headquartered bank will reduce its stake in Barclays Africa Group Limited.

Mr. Staley explained that the decision to reduce its shareholding (62.3%) in Barclays Africa over the course of two to three years to a non-controlling stake, has been driven entirely by the regulatory pressures Barclays PLC faces -- including the level of capital it is required to hold in respect to its shareholding in Barclays Africa.

Speaking at a news conference in Accra last Thursday, Mrs. Akyianu said the strategy for Barclays Africa Group in Ghana has not changed and the bank’s operations will continue as usual, because the Group continues to see the Barclays Ghana franchise as a sound and solid business unit.

“We have continued to grow our Ghana business for almost a century of existence in Ghana, offering our customers cutting-edge financial solutions. We are in a strong liquidity position and have a clear strategy in Ghana, and we remain focused on executing that strategy,” Mrs. Akyianu said.

“We are in Ghana to stay, so I would like to assure all Ghanaians -- and especially our cherished customers -- that nothing has changed in view of the announcement made by Barclays PLC,” she added.

Mr. Staley commended the quality of the Barclays Africa franchise (including Ghana), the strength of the management teams and employees, as well as the success story of the Barclays Africa strategy.

Mrs. Akyianu told the media that the decision of Barclays PLC is not a reflection on the strategic direction or performance of Barclays Africa or Ghana.

“Our future as Barclays Ghana is very bright and our ambition to be the market leader remains unchanged. This announcement will not affect our customers in any way. We will continue to provide innovative and cutting-edge solutions to meet our customers’ needs now and in the future, while we continue to invest in our communities as we have always done,” Mrs. Akyianu said.

She revealed that Barclays is currently embarking on a new journey by offering unparalleled banking experience for customers through its new state of the art branches at Ho, Osu, Knutsford Avenue, Kejetia and the latest at Nester Square, Airport City.

“These branches have real-time technological services, making banking so much more convenient for customers. There are more branches in the pipeline for remodelling this year,” she said.