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
Empowering Communities: Yagaba Kubori Benefits from Educational and Hygiene Support
The Yagaba Kubori constituency came alive with hope and transformation as Empower Africa Alliance and Derby’s Foundation carried out a monumental Community and Schools Engagement Tour.
The tour, held in collaboration with the Honorable Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Yussif, left an indelible mark by addressing critical educational and hygiene needs in the area.
At the heart of the initiative was the distribution of 2,000 exercise books to schoolchildren and 1,000 sanitary pads to both students and women in the community.
Beyond donations, the initiative focused on empowering young minds with education on the importance of schooling, menstrual hygiene, and reproductive health.
The highlight of the event was the heartfelt interaction between Christabel Derby, founder of Derby’s Foundation, and the young girls, encouraging them to overcome challenges and chase their academic dreams. “Every book donated here represents a brighter future, and every pad symbolizes dignity and empowerment for our girls and women,” she remarked.
The support of the MP for the constituency underscored the government’s dedication to youth and gender empowerment.
The Minister expressed gratitude to the organizations, stating, “This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision of creating an inclusive and progressive constituency. Together, we are empowering our youth to lead tomorrow.”
The tour extended its reach beyond schools, touching the lives of women in the community who benefited from the hygiene supplies and awareness sessions.
The initiative not only broke barriers around menstruation but also planted seeds of self-confidence and ambition in the minds of many.
This impactful project showcases how grassroots efforts can catalyze transformation in underserved communities.
Empower Africa Alliance and Derby’s Foundation have set the stage for lasting change, proving once again that collective action can uplift entire generations.
News
Excessive make-up can interfere with biometric verification — EC cautions women
The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has cautioned women not to apply a lot of makeup on Election Day, else they would be left disappointed.
According to the Commission, the Biometric Verification Device (BVD) may be unable to capture such women because of the over-application of cosmetic material on the face.
Mr Fred Tetteh, the Deputy Director of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation of the EC, who gave the caution, said such women cannot vote in case the finger print and manual exercise fail.
Explaining at a briefing session on Tuesday, Mr Tetteh stated that the BVD has only three features, which is the finger print, facial recognition and manual.
According to him when the BVD fails to capture the finger print, it resorts to the facial identity which becomes problematic when there is too much makeup.
It was themed: ‘Strengthening Advocacy for Gender-Representative and Inclusive Governance in 2024 and Beyond.’
The aim is to increase the participation and representation of women and women with disabilities within all decision making spaces of Ghana’s governance system.
Mr Tetteh advised women to be modest with the makeup when going to vote.
“I beg the women to stay away from the ‘pancake’ and others. It is just an election day; kindly minimise the polishing so that you can vote freely without any hitches and stress.”
Additionally, he said when both fingerprint and facial recognition fail, then one has to go through manual verification which usually comes with doubts.
He noted that the EC was putting in place structures to ensure a peaceful and transparent elections, which would be friendly for observers and polling agents who would also be expected to obey the rules.
In a welcome address, the Head of Programmes for ABANTU for Development, Mrs Grace Ampomaa Afrifa, urged key stakeholders, chiefs, the media, religious leaders and other influential people in society to educate people about the need to maintain the peace of the country even beyond the exercise.
The Coordinator for Affimative Action Law Coalition, Becky Ahadzi Esq., stated that it was unfortunate that Affirmative Action Law was passed after the primaries, limiting the number of females’ candidates in parliament.
The session was organised by ABANTU for Development, a non-governmental organisation, that focuses on supporting community led- development initiatives in Ghana and Africa with support from STAR Ghana Foundation.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
