ZENITH BANK
‘We aim to become a reference point in Ghana’

A subsidiary of Nigeria’s Zenith Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Ghana has managed to attract just over 2% of market share since its establishment, drawing clients through a range of new products and services, such as its Pay Advance Salary Scheme and its toll-free telephone access. The bank has also focused on customer service, an effort that was rewarded in the 2006 banking awards where it was named second best bank in Ghana for customer service and corporate banking.

“Our vision is to become a reference point in Ghana in the provision of prompt, flawless and innovative banking services,” asserts CEO Andy Ojei. “We also strive to exceed customer expectations at all times. Our toll free telephone facility is the first and only one in the industry. Our e-business products are such that when you begin to use them, you find yourself addicted to the products and the bank.”

Despite its reputation as an upmarket bank, Mr Ojei says that Zenith Bank Ghana is committed to supporting small- and medium-sized businesses – a segment that currently represents 50% of Ghana’s economy. “What is good for the economy should be good for the bank and not the other way round, and we as a bank are doing our best to identify and support promising enterprises,” he states, adding that SMEs currently constitute roughly 80% of the bank’s loan portfolio. “That is the only way we can add value to the economy. We recognize the fact that the margins are better at the lower end of the market if we put in the proper risk mitigants. As the second largest bank in Nigeria, we are pretty experienced in that regard.”