In a bid to augment its financial inclusion infrastructure, Fidelity Bank Ghana in partnership with Ghana Post has outdoored an upgraded version of its popular Ghana Post agency outlets.

The revamped agent points, dubbed Agency Plus points are located within key Ghana Post offices across the country and are designed to deliver an enhanced customer experience as well as an expanded array of Banking services to the Bank’s customers. This came to light during the official launch ceremony held at the pristine Agency Plus point at Accra New Town.

Fidelity Bank’s partnership with Ghana Post commenced in 2019 as part of the Bank’s efforts to expand the scope and reach of its agency banking network. This led to the establishment of 35 specialized agent points countrywide making it possible for more customers of Fidelity Bank and the general public to access a bouquet of basic banking transactions such as account opening, cash withdrawals, cash deposits, balance inquiries, mini statements, cardless transactions, funds transfers, utility bill payments, and airtime top-ups at the nearest community post office.

The bank together with its partners at Ghana Post has since reviewed and revamped the Ghana Post Agent point model to enhance customers’ service experience. Throwing more light on the newly launched Agency Plus points, The Director of Channels and Sales at Fidelity Bank, Godfred Attafuah explained that while the existing agent points were designed to be transactional in nature, the Agency Plus points have been redesigned to provide an enhanced customer experience similar to what pertains in a standard Fidelity Bank Branch.

He also stated that the new Agency Plus points would offer 13 additional banking services including cash cheque deposits, prepaid and debit card issuance, PIN re-issuance, loan processing, and personal investment processing among others.

Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Ghana, Julian Opuni reiterated the Bank’s commitment and readiness to partner with like-minded organisations in its ongoing financial drive.

He asserted, “At Fidelity Bank, the financial inclusion agenda is very dear to our hearts, as we believe that easy access to relevant banking and finance services holds the key to creating economic opportunities, reducing socio-economic inequalities and unlocking the immense potential of the local economy.

We are passionate about absorbing Ghanaians from all walks of life, into the Banking sector so that no one is left behind and one of the best ways to achieve this is by partnering with forward-thinking organizations such as Ghana Post who share a similar focus.”

Bice Osei Kuffour, Managing Director (MD) of Ghana Post Company Limited who also spoke at the launch event, commended Fidelity Bank Ghana for its commitment to sustainable financial inclusion. He added that his outfit was pleased to be part of the strategic partnership and pledged full support to the growth and sustainability of the partnership.

He stated, “Just as Fidelity Bank finds Ghana Post a credible landlord and a partner, we must also state that we have already benefitted from them via the partnership. For every Ghana Post location where Fidelity Bank operates an agency, there has been a notable facelift of our office and increased footfall.

As we continue with this mutually productive partnership, it is our fervent hope that in the near future, they will extend their operations to cover all our 300-plus locations thereby bringing their convenient banking experience to even more of our rural folks and small indigenous businesses.”

On his part, the Director of Payment Systems at the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Amedeku Settor reiterated the importance of the financial inclusion agenda to the country’s economic fortunes. He lauded Fidelity Bank for their pacesetting efforts in this regard and urged other institutions in the finance sector to emulate Fidelity’s initiative. He also commended Ghana Post for partnering with Fidelity and utilizing its wide network to further boost convenient access to financial services.

Subsequent to the launch event, nineteen (19) Agency Plus Points are active. These are Agogo, Tepa, and Offinso in the Ashanti region; Kenyasi and Wenchi in the Bono and Ahafo regions; Agona Swedru, Dunkwa, and Winneba in the Central region, Enyinasi, Asankragwa and Sefwi Bekwai in the Western North region, Asamankese, Mpraeso, Begoro and Kibi in the Eastern Region; Kajebi in the Oti region; Aflao and Kpando in the Volta region; and Cantonments and Accra New Town in the Greater Accra region. Other Agent Plus points are slated to be opened at other Ghana Post locations in the course of the year.

Fidelity Bank was the first to launch an agency banking model in Ghana in 2013. From a pilot project of about twenty-four (24) agents, the Bank now can boast of an Agent network of about 5000 Agents who currently serve close to a million unique customers.