Some commercial banks are raising concerns about the Bank of Ghana’s directive regarding the abolishment of the Over-the-Counter withdrawal charge.
The Central Bank recently issued a notice to banks and specialized deposit-taking institutions to abolish what it calls unfair fees, charges and other practices in the banking sector.
But in an interview with Joy Business at a Digital Conference organised by his outfit, Managing Director of Republic Bank Ghana, Farid Antar said the over the counter withdrawal charge was meant to serve as disincentive for customers to use the ATMs.
“The one that may be a little bit problematic for the banks is that we charge a fee for customers coming into the bank to withdraw cash when they have an avenue external to the bank so it’s not so much of a fee but a disincentive to change your behavior to use electronic which is the ultimate goal” said Mr. Antar.
History
The over-the-counter withdrawal fee is one of seven charges the central bank has warned commercial banks to do away with.
The Bank of Ghana noted that some banks and specialized deposit-taking institutions impose penal charges on customers who withdraw their own funds from banking halls and the reason the Republic Bank MD attributed to the practice was to encourage customers to use digital platforms provided to reduce congestion at the banking halls.
Digital Conference
The digital conference jointly organized by the bank and the Business and Financial Times was themed: digitization, artificial intelligence and the future of things; the impact and immense opportunities for Ghanaian Businesses.
Mr. Antar has underscored the need for Ghanaian businesses to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) through the adoption of technology to expand their operations.
According to him, local businesses must begin to look beyond the country and network with other countries across the continent to reach a larger market.
The conference offered insight into how stakeholders, particularly business owners and their financiers could harness the recent gains from increased digitisation.
Latest Stories
-
61 new architects acquire state license to practice in Ghana
14 mins -
Masloc CEO honoured as capacity building Shero of the Year
22 mins -
MPs’ Repeated Attempts to Sue the Speaker: Unintended Consequences for the 2024 Elections?
26 mins -
Today’s front pages: Tuesday, November 5, 2024
36 mins -
Galamsey: Investigation into attack on Joy News’ Erastus Asare and colleagues already growing cold
1 hour -
Mahama promises construction of stadia in all 16 regions if elected
1 hour -
Dampare has transformed Police training school – Bawumia
1 hour -
America braced as two stark visions collide on election day
1 hour -
NAPO urges Ghanaians to support NPP’s vision for national development
2 hours -
About 95% of PWDs in Obuasi have source of livelihood – MCE
2 hours -
Immigration Service intercepts 54 gallons of fuel
2 hours -
Election 2024: Roman Fada selected as flagbearer for Ghana Freedom Party
2 hours -
Bawumia to launch Ghana’s credit scoring system on Nov. 7
2 hours -
Alan to combat galamsey with strategic youth-centred business model
2 hours -
Agona Swedru chiefs commit to ending child marriage within their jurisdiction
2 hours