Prudential Bank Limited (PBL) says it is focused on providing support to Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs).

Mary Brown, Deputy Managing Director of PBL, who disclosed this at the opening of a new PBL branch at Bawaleshie in Accra, said the bank has begun serious engagement with SMEs in various sectors of the economy.

She advised individuals and enterprises to consider the actual benefits they stand to gain from financial institutions before taking the decision to do business with them.

“We all know that we are going through a difficult period as a nation but this is the time to ensure that you have a trusted and dependable partner to support you as an individual, sole proprietor or corporate entity in order to achieve your business and economic goals,” she said.

Ms Brown stressed the need to concentrate on imports and exports, consumer loans, project financing, general commercial activities, fuel and oil importation and distribution, as well as construction, and “PBL is offering banking services in those areas.”

She encouraged Ghanaians not to jettison the habit of savings in the face of the challenging financial and economic conditions in the country, saying “it is important for the people to be frugal. A nation with good saving culture develops the banking sector, which is at the centre of financial intermediation.

“Deposits are saved with us and we lend out, making sure that money moves round and helps to develop businesses and projects.”

The bank announced that it will soon introduce Visa card services and also continue with its expansion drive to bring its products and service to the doorsteps of its customers.

The opening of the Bawaleshie Branch brings the number of the bank’s outlets across the country to 34.

They are located in Accra, Tema, Kumasi, Takoradi, Cape Coast, Techiman and Tamale.