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Banks urged to offer more digital solutions to customers

President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Rev. Mrs Patricia Sappor, has urged banks to  deepen their  collaboration  with  the  financial and technology (Fintech) organisations  to  enable  them  offer   more   digitised   solutions  to  customers.

She believed a lot of banks had intensified their digital operations in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic but there was still more to be done to improve efficient service delivery.

According to her, banks could reduce operational cost by employing innovative means of doing business, in addition to encouraging clients to patronise digital channels such as Mobile Applications, USSDs, Internet Banking, among others.

Speaking at a virtual seminar to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 on the banking sector, Mrs Sappor tasked banks and other financial institutions to “proactively stay in touch and build good relationships with their clients” and support them through difficult times.

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“One of the key impacts of the current pandemic is the emphasis on social distancing and contactless payment options. The situation presents financial institutions with the opportunity for digital transformation both at the front and back office levels,” she said.

Increase partnership with technology firms, she noted, could result in “efficient service delivery, quicker turn-around time and improvement in overall service experience for customers.”

While urging banks to continue observing all COVID-19 protocols, she further urged individuals and entrepreneurs to develop a savings culture.

“Banks have had to re-strategise and re-prioritise projects with the influx of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Banks can no longer go back to their old ways of operating since the needs and psyche of customers have changed significantly as a result of COVID-19,” Mrs Sappor noted.

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She said procurement of PPE and other items for the wellbeing of staff and customers had, to some extent, increased the operation cost of banks, adding that the pandemic had also led to low deposits, non-performing loans, among other challenges.

“Shareholders may, therefore, experience low returns on their investments and some may not even receive dividends at the end of 2020 financial year,” she added.

The virtual seminar, hosted by Krif Media Limited, brought together players in the industry to deliberate on measures to handle the impact of the pandemic on the sector.

Rev. Kennedy Okosun, Executive Chairman of Krif Ghana Limited, also asked stakeholders to implement strategies to help protect financial institutions from the effects of the pandemic so they could continue to be the “engine of growth” for businesses.

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Mrs Abiola Bawuah, Regional CEO of United Bank of Africasaid even though COVID-19 had hit the sector hard, it had presented various opportunities for “thinking outside the box and we must all learn lessons for future interventions.”

Mrs. Mary Brown, former Deputy Managing Director of Prudential Bank, in her speech suggested that banks must set up a “Special Credit Coordinating Room that will be responsible for selling and operationalising the Bank’s Credit Strategy in response to the crisis.”

By Spectator Reporter

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Miss Malaika Ghana Glow Up Finale Beckons: A new Queen is coming

The stage is set for one of Ghana’s most anticipated and prestigious event of the Year, Miss Malaika Ghana Glow Up Finale.

On Saturday, November 16, the Palms Convention Center at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel will play host to a dazzling evening of beauty, intelligence, and talent as 10 exceptional young women compete for the coveted title of Miss Malaika Ghana 2024.

This landmark event marks the culmination of 11 weeks of intense competition and personal growth for the contestants, as well as 22 years of excellence for the Miss Malaika Ghana pageant.

The Road to the Finale
Through it all, the remaining 10 finalists have proven their mettle and earned their place on the grand stage.

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Now, they stand on the precipice of a life-changing moment, with one burning question on everyone’s minds: Who will be crowned the Miss Malaika Glow Up Queen? Who wins the brand new JAC JS2, the Cash Prize and the bragging rights of Miss Malaika Glow Up Queen?

According to the project lead, Teddy Nanor on the expectations on the finale, he stated “We are thrilled to witness the culmination of an incredible journey at this year’s grand finale. Our delegates have demonstrated resilience, intelligence, and passion throughout months of transformation, proving that Miss Malaika Ghana is more than just a pageant—it’s a platform that empowers young women to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact.”

He added ” This year’s grand finale is set to crown a new queen who embodies beauty, confidence, and leadership, and we invite everyone to join us in celebrating these exceptional women.”

The Glow Up Finale Experience

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The Miss Malaika Ghana Glow Up Finale promises to be a night of unparalleled glamour and entertainment.

Attendees can look forward to: A Showcase of Beauty and Brains – The 10 finalists will demonstrate their intelligence, talent, and grace through a series of challenges and presentations.

From thought-provoking Q&A sessions to dazzling evening gown displays, every aspect of their preparedness for the crown will be put to the test by a panel of esteemed judges, comprised of industry leaders and cultural icons.

Their expertise and discerning eyes will ensure that the most deserving contestant is crowned. The night will also witness Star-Studded Performances from some of Ghana’s top artists; Camidoh, Fameye, OliveTheBoy, and many more.

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More Than Just a Beauty Pageant
As we approach the crowning of the 22nd Miss Malaika Ghana, it’s important to reflect on the deeper significance of this event. Beyond the glitz and glamour lies a powerful vehicle for positive change in Ghanaian society.

The pageant continues to evolve, embracing new technologies and addressing contemporary issues to remain relevant and impactful. With each passing year, the competition raises the bar, attracting an ever-more impressive pool of contestants and producing queens who are truly prepared to make a difference in the world.

The Glow Up Finale on November 16th is not just the end of one journey but the beginning of another. As one young woman’s life is forever changed by donning the crown, a new chapter in the storied history of Miss Malaika Ghana will begin. For the lucky winner, this night will mark the start of a transformative year filled with opportunities for growth, service, and leadership.

Miss Malaika Ghana is a Charterhouse Production initiative and sponsored by Club shandy, Brussels Airlines, Big Blue Resort, Tryton Motors, The Pinnacle Apartments and The Cruise People.

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Pres Akufo-Addo, traditional rulers grace 2024 Hogbetsotso

Some of the women display their cultural at the Hogbetsotsoza.

Some of the women display their cultural at the Hogbetsotsoza.

 A portray of Ghana’s rich cultur­al heritage was mounted at the 2024 Hogbetsotso Za festival on Saturday, November 2, in Keta in the Volta Region.

Themed “Strengthening bonds and embracing our shared heritage,” it drew numerous figures includ­ing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, government officials and Members of Parliament, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, running mate of Mr John Dramani Mahama of the NDC in the December election, among others.

The event was also graced by the Overlord of the Anlo state, the Awomefia Togbe Sri III, the Para­mount Chief of the Oguaa Tradi­tional Area, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II; and a host of other traditional rulers, with representatives from almost every paramount chief in the country.

The grand durbar showcased the vibrant culture of the Anlo people amidst drumming, singing, and dance performances.

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‘Hogbetsotso’ is derived from the word ‘Hogbe’ or ‘Hohogbe,’ trans­lated to mean the day of exodus.

It marks the moment in time when the Ewes in the Dogbo quarter of the walled city of Notsie in Togo, escaped from the tyran­nical ruler Agorkorli by walking backwards.

In order to com­memorate the exodus and the bravery of their traditional rulers who led them on the journey, the people created the annual festi­val now referred to as ‘Festival of the Exodus.’

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