THE GHANA Commercial Bank (GCB) has marked the 50th anniversary of its operations at Sefwi Wiawso in the Western region, by relocating its branch office, in response to the growing customer base.

Last Monday, the bank commenced banking operations on its own premises at Edwinase, a suburb of the town, where a much bigger, modern and more convenient edifice had been constructed in appreciation of the patronage of the bank by the people in the area since 1962.

Besides the improved environment, the new GCB Sefwi Wiawso branch provides a wide range of products and services, including 24-hour personal Loan, ATMs, SMS banking and Internet banking, among others.

The Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Kojo Addae-Mensah said at the commissioning of the new branch office that the relocation was an indication of GCB's commitment to partner the economic and financial development of the community. According to him, Sefwi Wiawso deserves all the products and services following the upgrading to a municipal status.

He said GCB has embarked on an expansion plan, bordering on major rehabilitation and refurbishment of about 70 branches in a bid to reposition itself as one of the best performing banks in the country.

Mr. Addae-Mensah announced that the Sefwi Wiawso branch adds to four the branches that have recently been relocated at Accra, Kumasi and Ejisu.

He disclosed that work on seven branches at Tarkwa, Dadieso, Ejisu, Samreboi and Abeka Lapaz have been completed, while five others are in various stages of completion, and that other branches targeted for refurbishment include Legon, Kintampo, Mim, Bolgatanga, Akuse, Bechem, Assin Fosu and Prestea.

The COO said the Abeka Lapaz branch was the latest addition, as the 158th branch of the bank, and that besides the 15 agencies, GCB has 220 operational ATMs across the country, making it the most widespread in the country, with 53 more yet to be deployed.

He said the bank's systems had been revamped enhance availability which puts the bank's Readycash ATM service availability at 95%.

The bank, he said, has introduced VISA acquiring on its ATMs, in addition to MasterCard.

Mr. Addae-Mensah also announced that GCB is piloting its Point of Sale devices at strategic locations in order to broaden channels of service to customers.

The COO has, therefore, urged customers to take advantage of modern banking facilities and quality services brought to their doorsteps for value for their money.

The Area Manager of the bank, Mr. George Ackorful, said management expected staff to work hard in order that the bank gets value for investment. He said transformation should reflect in attitude towards customers.