The official launch of FBN Bank Ghana, took place at the Movenpick Hotel in Accra on Wednesday.

The high-profile event, which was graced by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, significantly marked the beginning of the bank’s operations in Ghana, after taking over ICB.

ICB Financial Group Holdings AG has sold its holdings in International Commercial Bank, Ghana Limited (ICB) to First Bank of Nigeria (FBN).

Officials say FBN Bank Ghana is in to play big, and is counting on its excellent delivery of products and services across the world, to deliver an unmatched banking service in Ghana. Seyi Oyesefo, MD, FBN Bank, Ghana, says his outfit is ready for the Ghanaian market.

“Having understudied the local market trends with a relative understanding of the fiscal and cultural dynamics at play, the Board and Management of the FBN-Bank Ghana have now taken up the role as a major and relevant player in the growth of the financial and business sectors of the economy and thus, have been operating as FBN-Bank Ghana Limited since June 2014,” he said.

“Everything we do will add value and contribute to a hugely satisfactory banking experience for our customers.

“I therefore pledge that we will respect all regulatory provisions, strive to be the market leader in the banking industry, highly cherished by our customers, respected by our peers, and loved by our stockholders.”

Chairman of FBN Holdings, Dr. Oba Otudeko, who said he had high hopes for the Ghana operations, also added they will do everything possible to ensure it lives up to expectation.

He said the solid tradition that backed its over 120 years’ existence will spur them on to achieve substantial growth within the shortest possible time.

FBN Bank Ghana he said was ready to support smaller and medium scale enterprises to expand their reach and base, adding they are a people-centered bank.

With a unique selling proposition, and products tailor-made for the average customer, FirstBank has solidified itself as a brand of fortitude, strength and innovation in the financial sector since its inception in 1894.

The iconic African elephant with navy blue and ivory colours has been a symbol of one of the biggest international players in the financial services industry to date.

Over the past 120 years, the bank has served its customers with excellence, impacted positively on the banking industry as a pioneer, and contributed to the growth of the economies in which it operates.