Big Ada, (E/R) Sept. 26, GNA -- The Association of Rural Banks (ARB) has selected about 40 rural banks to benefit from its computerization programme currently underway.

Mr E.K. Kwapong, Managing Director of the ARB Apese Bank, who made this disclosure in a speech read for him at the 19th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Ada Rural Bank at Big Ada at the weekend, said the facility would be extended to all rural and community banks in the country in the near future to make them more efficient in their operations. Mr Kwapong advised rural banks to ensure that henceforth people with experience, skills, knowledge and competence be elected to serve as Board Members.

He warned rural banks to do away with favouritism or tribalism in electing board members, so that with those with the requisite qualifications, the banks could achieve their overall corporate objectives.

Mr Kwapong used the occasion to draw the attention of rural banks, proposals adopted by the Council of ARB for the appointment of Directors to their boards and said, the individuals for the appointment must be first and foremost, be shareholders of the various banks for a minimum of five years standing.

Furthermore, he said, directors should have the minimum secondary school education, with some experience in Agriculture, Banking, Accountancy, Economics, Management, Finance and Mathematics, among other disciplines.

"In addition, the applicant should be a person who has the zeal and commitment to serve in all aspects of environment, especially the public sector, and must be supportive in developmental programmes and projects."

Mr Kwapong lauded the Ada Rural Bank for its remarkable performances over the years, and said no wonder it had been ranked as one of the satisfactory rural banks in the country, according to the Bank of Ghana's classification. He urged the bank not to be complacent, but to work harder to improve upon its performance in order to move it to greater heights.