Fidelity Bank, Ghana’s largest privately owned indigenous bank, recently hosted a dinner and awards ceremony to honor the outstanding contributions of its agency banking network.
The event, held at Wesley Towers in Accra, marked the culmination of regional award ceremonies in Tamale, Kumasi, and Takoradi, celebrating the agents’ crucial role in expanding Agency Banking, which is a key element of Fidelity Bank’s mission to provide banking services to the unbanked and under-banked.
Starting with just 24 agents in 2014, the first of its kind in Ghana, the network has grown significantly, now boasting over 9,000 agents nationwide.
In October alone, the bank saw over GH¢2 billion in deposits through its agent network and transactions worth over GH¢20 billion since the start of 2024.
The agents have also contributed over 2 million transactions during the same period, reinforcing Fidelity Bank’s leadership in Agency Banking.
In his opening remarks, Kwabena Boateng, the Deputy Managing Director for Wholesale Banking, reflected on the significant strides made in financial inclusion over the past decade.
He noted, “In the past, millions of Ghanaians were excluded from financial services. Today, thanks to the remarkable dedication of our agents, we have brought banking into homes, workplaces, and communities.”
Boateng commended the agents for their dedication to bridging the financial gap, especially in remote and underserved areas, enabling Ghanaians to access essential banking services with ease.
Mr. Godfred Attafuah, the Director of Channels and Sales, also praised the success of Agency Banking, highlighting its positive impact on employment and income generation.
He noted that many agents now earn commission-based income, creating job opportunities for many individuals across the country.
He further assured agents that Fidelity Bank remains committed to prioritizing their needs and fostering stronger collaborations moving forward.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards to outstanding agents who have played a pivotal role in the success of Agency Banking.
Award categories included Best Attendant, Best Territory Agent, Outstanding Long-Service Agent, and the prestigious National Award.
At the national level, Brillin Top Enterprise from Nkawkaw, Eastern Region, was the Overall Best Agent for 2024. Notably, Brillin Top Enterprise defended the title they won the previous year, showcasing continued excellence in service delivery.
S-Duah Enterprise from Kumasi, who had clinched the award three consecutive times between 2019 and 2022, secured second place, while Khofhay Ventures from Berekum earned the third-place spot in this highly competitive category.
Dr. David Okyere, the Head of Agency Banking at Fidelity Bank, highlighted the bank’s innovative initiatives designed to enhance both agent and customer experiences.
“We are introducing groundbreaking programs, such as the Cash Advance program for agents, optimised collections processes, alternative withdrawal service channels at agent points, and an upgraded Smart Account opening system,” Dr. Okyere announced.
He emphasised the bank’s commitment to continuously improving its services to ensure the success of its agents and the satisfaction of its customers.
The evening underscored Fidelity Bank’s commitment to not only increasing access to banking services but also to recognising and celebrating the tireless efforts of the agents who have made this vision a reality.
These agents have become vital pillars in Ghana’s financial ecosystem, ensuring that banking services are available to people in remote and underserved communities.
As the bank looks to the future, it remains committed to innovation, sustainability, and partnership, ensuring that more Ghanaians can access the financial tools they need to thrive.
