Nana Bosoma Asor Nkrawiri II, Omanhene of Sunyani Traditional Council on Wednesday advised financial institutions to prioritize agriculture to help improve food production.

This, he explained could be achieved if financial institutions designed excellent banking packages that would benefit the rural poor to go into commercial farming.

Nana Nkrawiri II gave the advice at the official launch of the universal status of the GN Bank (formerly First National Bank) in Sunyani.

The Bank of Ghana (BOG) has granted the GN Bank a universal license, to operate banking services across the length and breadth of the country and outside as well.

Nana Nkrawiri II noted that the country’s economy thrived on agriculture, and if financial institutions placed premium on that sector, it would not only reduce poverty, but enhanced national food security.

He said the influx of banking institutions in Sunyani and parts of the Brong-Ahafo Region, was a good sign of development, but added that the industry would progress if it provided excellent customer services.

Though the BOG has granted it a universal license, the GN Bank would continue to be a national bank for the ordinary person, providing close-to-client banking service to customers, Mr Charles Nimako, Director of the Bank said.

He expressed appreciation about the supervisory role of the BOG and assured customers that the bank would continue to operate within the guidelines of the central bank to protect the interest of customers.

Mr Nimako said the GN Bank was fully owned and managed by Ghanaians and would soon open up ownership for interested Ghanaian investors and customers.

Mr Henry Lamptey, General Manager, Corporate Banking of the GN Bank, emphasized that the bank had not been sold except that it had changed its name.

He assured customers of highest standard of integrity, loyalty and absolute honesty by aiming to become the “best big bank” by the end of 2015.

“In line with corporate mission we do not intend to metamorphose into a high street bank but to remain the people bank,” Mr Lamptey said.