The Paramount Chief of the Sunyani Traditional Area, Odeefour Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor II, has called on banks operating in the region to step up support for women entrepreneurs and commit more resources to local development initiatives.
Addressing a delegation of top banking officials during a courtesy call at his palace in Sunyani, the chief emphasized that empowering women in small-scale businesses would not only boost individual livelihoods but also fortify the local economy.
“Our women are the backbone of the informal sector. Supporting them with financial services and products tailored to their needs is vital for building a strong and resilient community,” Odeefour Ogyeamansan said.
The delegation included representatives from Fidelity Bank, Ecobank, and GT Bank, with key officials such as Mr. Foster Frimpong, Head of Marketing at Fidelity Bank, and Mr. Urbanus Mbit Abotiyunre, Customer Service Manager at Ecobank, in attendance.
Beyond financial inclusion, the chief urged banks to deepen their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts in the region. He noted that while banks play an integral role in national economic growth, their tangible contributions to community development in Sunyani remain limited.
“CSR is not just charity—it is an investment in people and a means of bridging development gaps,” he stated, urging financial institutions to consider supporting stalled infrastructure projects, including the Bono Regional Library, which he described as an eyesore due to abandonment.
In a strategic offer to bolster collaboration, Odeefour Ogyeamansan pledged that the Sunyani Traditional Council would provide land for the expansion of bank branches in the area. He said this would help alleviate the burden of high rental costs and enhance service accessibility.
The bankers, in turn, congratulated the chief on his enstoolment and assured him of their willingness to partner with the Traditional Council for the socio-economic advancement of the Sunyani area.
