Akim Achiase (E/R), June 24, - The South Birim rural bank at Akim Achiase purchased 899 million cedis Akuafo cheques in 1996 as against 820 million cedis the previous year. Mr R.K. Amoah, chairman of the board of directors, said this at the 12th Annual General Meeting of the bank at Akim Achiase at the weekend. He said the bank invested 130 million cedis in treasury bills in 1996 as against 40 million cedis in 1995. On savings mobilisation, Mr Amoah said there has been a substantial improvement because the bank was able to mobilise 250 million cedis savings last year as against 190 million cedis in 1995. Mr S.B. Amamoo, Manager of the Bank, appealed to all shareholders to increase their shares to at least 10,000 cedis each to enable the bank's share capital to reach 60 million cedis to enable it qualify for a community bank. He commended Osabarima Darko Frempong the Second, chief of Akim Achiase and his elders for purchasing 10 million shares in the bank. Mr Kwadwo Akuamoah-Boateng, Birim South District Deputy Co-ordinating Director, reminded loan defaulters that repayment of loans would enable others to have access to the facility. He urged the Board of Directors to find ways of attracting more customers.