News
Absa Bank Ghana deploys 50 new iATMs
Absa Bank Ghana has deployed 50 new Intelligent Automated Teller Machines (iATMs) to enhance its ATM services and provide convenient banking services to its customers.
In addition, the bank has increased ATM daily cash withdrawal limit in excess of GH¢9,000 to support customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The installation of the 50 new iATMs which was to replace the existing machines with upgraded machines and the latest technology and with enhanced service offerings, has been completed.
In total, 110 of the banks over 160 ATMs have been replaced since 2019. These new ATMS are equipped with modern technologies as NFC (Near Field Communication), which allows for contactless withdrawals.
All Absa ATMs currently provide a wide range of banking services including cash deposits. Apart from this, customers can also make cardless transactions, money transfers and many other banking services at an Absa ATM.
To further support customers, ATM daily cash withdrawal limit for Personal Banking customers has been increased to GH¢ 5000 and that of Prestige and Premier Banking customers is now in excess of GH¢9,000.
According to Absa Bank, “this is to support and encourage customers to easily access banking services through the bank’s digital channels and reduce customers travel distance as well as movements while we try to observe social distancing and minimise contact with others.”
“The deployments of the new ATMs and increase incash withdrawal limitis to ensure our customers get easy access to cash and many other banking services at the ATM, especially during this period,” noted Charles Addo, Retail Banking Director at Absa Bank Ghana.
“We have also provided sanitisers at our ATMs to help customers keep safe. The wellbeing and convenience of our customers is very important to us and that is why we continue to create a safe and convenient banking environment to support them,” he said.
As a demonstration of Absa Bank Ghana’s commitment to help fight COVID-19, the bank has activated its financial relief package to cushion its customers in the wake of the economic challenges.
Earlier, the bank waived charges on interbank instant transfers on its digital channels and also made mobile money transfers of up to GH¢100 daily free.
Absa Bank has also offered up to six months repayment moratorium and reduced its lending rate by two per cent on qualifying customers in industries impacted by COVID-19.
BY TIMES REPORTER
News
KNUST mourns death of 3 students
The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is grappling with the devastating loss of two students, Akosuah Owusuaa and Bertha Kookale Hammond, who passed away in separate incidents on March 9, 2025.
The university community is still reeling in shock as details of the incidents are scarce, leaving many to read meanings into the loss of these young lives.
Akosuah, a third-year Forest Resource Technology student, was said to have fallen ill before her passing.
Bertha, a final-year English student, also passed away on the same day, with the cause of her death still unknown.
The Association of Students of English, KNUST, released a statement announcing Bertha’s passing, describing her as a “dedicated and talented student” who will be deeply missed.
“It is with great sorrow that we write to you regarding the devastating loss of one of our very own, Bertha Kookale Hammond, a final-year student of English who has passed away, leaving behind a gaping void that cannot be filled.”
“We extend our deepest condolences to Bertha’s family, her friends, and loved ones during this agonising moment. May we find comfort in the memories of her bright smile and sheer enthusiasm.”
These recent deaths come on the heels of a similar incident involving a final-year Biological Sciences student, Joana Deladem Yabani, whose lifeless body was found near the KNUST Disability and Rehabilitation Centre on February 27, 2025.
The cause of death is still under investigation, with initial police examination revealing marks of violence on her body.
CCTV footage analysis led to the arrest of a suspect, Daniel Tuffuor, a 21-year-old fellow student, and reportedly Joana’s boyfriend, the same day.
Tuffuor was remanded and is set to appear in court again on March 17, 2025.
The KNUST community is mourning the loss of these young lives, and the university is working closely with the authorities to ensure that justice was served.
From Kingsley E.Hope,
Kumasi
News
Centre for Nat’l Culture, Antoa SHS launch Ashanti Region Ghana Month celebration
In a vibrant display of cultural pride, students of Antoa Senior High School (SHS) joined forces with the Centre for National Culture, Ashanti Region, to launch the 2025 Ghana Month celebration.
The event was a mixture of traditional cloth demonstrations, dance lessons, poetry recitals, and proverbs competitions.
Students and staff donned colourful traditional attires, showcasing their cultural heritage with infectious enthusiasm.
For most of the students, the event was an emotional reminder of their roots. “I never knew how rich our Ghanaian culture was until today. I’m proud to be Ghanaian!” One of them exclaimed.
The programme’s interactive presentation, partnered with the Ghana Education Service (GES), aimed to educate students on Ghanaian cultural values and norms, promoting national pride and identity.
According to Mr Peter Kofi Marfo, Ag. Regional Director of the Centre for National Culture, “We want to revive the cultural spirit among our youth. By sharing Ghana’s rich heritage, we’re empowering them to become ambassadors of our culture.”
The Ghana Month celebration would continue in 18 schools across the Ashanti Region, ending on March 27, 2025.
According to Mr Marfo, the grand finale would feature a traditional cuisine festival among sister organisations and associations at the Kumasi Centre for National Culture.
“Let’s Wear Ghana, Eat Ghana, See Ghana, Speak Ghana, Hear and Dance Ghana – together, we’ll keep our cultural flame burning bright!”Mr Marfo intoned.
The Centre, he said, remained committed to promoting Ghanaian culture and heritage, preserving the country’s rich cultural traditions for future generations.
‘‘It’s also an opportunity to strengthen cultural ties and ensure that younger generations appreciate and continue,’’ he said.
“We believe that this programme will be an enriching experience for the students and staff, and we are excited about the opportunity to share Ghana’s rich cultural heritage with them,” said the Ag. Regional Director.
The Ghana Month celebration is an annual event held in March to commemorate Ghana’s independence and rich cultural heritage.
The event is celebrated across the country, with various activities and programmes aimed at promoting Ghanaian culture and national pride.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
