Nsoatreman Community Bank PLC has expanded its footprint in the Bono Region with the opening of a new branch in Berekum, a move aimed at bringing banking services closer to customers in the municipality and surrounding communities.
The new outlet brings the bank’s branch network to eight across the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regions, strengthening its presence in key commercial centres within its operational area.
Established about 42 years ago, the bank currently operates branches at Nsoatre, Sunyani Cocoa House, Sunyani Nana Bosoma Asor Nkrawiri Market, Chiraa, Jinijini, Techiman and Yamfo, serving individuals, traders and businesses across the three regions.
Berekum, widely known as the “Golden City” of the Bono Region, is an important commercial hub with an economy driven largely by agriculture, trade and commerce.
The municipality has a strong agricultural base, with farmers in the Berekum enclave engaged in the production of cocoa, cashew, maize, cassava and vegetables, making the area a key contributor to economic activity in the region.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Board Chairman of Nsoatreman Community Bank, Prof. Emmanuel Opoku Marfo, said the new branch represented more than an expansion of the bank’s physical presence, describing it as a strategic effort to widen access to financial services in Berekum and nearby communities.
According to him, the decision to open the branch reflects the bank’s commitment to advancing financial inclusion at a time when some larger commercial banks are reducing their presence in smaller communities.
“In an era where large commercial banks are closing rural branches to cut costs, Nsoatreman Community Bank is doing the opposite. We are deepening our roots. We believe that the wealth of this nation is not only in the cities; it is right here in our farms, our small shops, our transport unions and our classrooms,” he said.
The Acting Chief Executive Officer of Nsoatreman Community Bank, Samuel Marsun, said the bank’s expansion strategy is anchored on relationship-based banking, despite increasing digitisation across the financial services industry.
“As the world of banking is becoming increasingly digital and distant, we believe that relationships still matter. While we offer the best of banking services as enshrined in our vision, we know that sometimes you need to sit across the desk with someone who understands your business, knows your family and respects your heritage,” he said.
Mr. Marsun noted that the Berekum Branch would operate on three core pillars: empowering micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and agribusinesses, promoting financial inclusion and strengthening community partnerships.
“To our farmers, we provide specialised products that understand the seasonal nature of your work, ensuring you have the inputs and support to thrive,” he added.
The Sunyani Branch Manager of ARB Apex Bank, Susan Boateng, who represented the Acting Managing Director of ARB Apex Bank, Curtis William-Brantuo, commended Nsoatreman Community Bank for expanding its branch network and urged the bank to maintain high service standards as it grows.
She stressed the importance of customer satisfaction in the banking sector and encouraged the bank to strengthen its digital offerings to meet changing customer expectations.
“Customer satisfaction is the heartbeat of our banking industry. We must endeavour to incorporate financial technology-enabled services into our service bouquet. This is essential because customers of rural and community banks expect the same level of service they receive from other banks, and even more from us,” she said.
Ms. Boateng further encouraged the bank to leverage the digital banking products introduced by ARB Apex Bank PLC to enhance service delivery and improve customer experience across its branch network.
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