Nsoatreman Community Bank PLC has officially opened a new branch in Berekum, marking its eighth banking outlet across the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo Regions. This expansion directly aims to bring essential banking services closer to residents and businesses in the Berekum municipality and its surrounding areas.
This strategic move addresses a critical need for accessible financial services in Berekum, a vibrant commercial hub driven by agriculture and trade. The municipality is known for its strong agricultural base, with farmers cultivating cocoa, cashew, maize, cassava, and various vegetables. Bringing banking facilities directly into this community helps support the local economy and its key contributors.
The bank's decision to deepen its roots in rural areas stands out against a backdrop where some larger commercial banks are scaling back their presence in smaller communities to cut costs. This expansion by Nsoatreman Community Bank reflects a commitment to financial inclusion, serving segments often overlooked by bigger financial institutions. It also aligns with the broader national goal of ensuring financial services reach all Ghanaians, especially those in economically vital agricultural regions.
Professor Emmanuel Opoku Marfo, Board Chairman of Nsoatreman Community Bank, stated that the new branch is more than a physical expansion. He described it as a strategic effort to widen access to financial services in Berekum and its neighbouring communities. The bank believes the nation's wealth resides in its farms, small shops, transport unions, and classrooms, not just in cities.
Samuel Marsun, the Acting Chief Executive Officer, emphasised the bank's focus on relationship-based banking despite increasing digitisation. He added that the Berekum branch will operate on three core pillars: empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and agribusinesses, promoting financial inclusion, and strengthening community partnerships. Farmers will receive specialised products tailored to their seasonal work.
Susan Boateng, Sunyani Branch Manager of ARB Apex Bank, represented the Acting Managing Director, Curtis William-Brantuo. She commended Nsoatreman Community Bank for its growth and expansion. Ms. Boateng stressed the importance of customer satisfaction and encouraged the bank to enhance its digital offerings. She also urged the bank to leverage digital products introduced by ARB Apex Bank PLC to improve service delivery across its network.
The new branch reinforces Nsoatreman Community Bank's network, which now totals eight branches. Its existing branches are located in Nsoatre, Sunyani Cocoa House, Sunyani Nana Bosoma Asor Nkrawiri Market, Chiraa, Jinijini, Techiman, and Yamfo. The bank has served individuals, traders, and businesses across the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo Regions for approximately 42 years. This expansion is expected to bolster economic activity by providing essential financial support to Berekum's agricultural sector and numerous small businesses.