GCB Bank PLC has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Ghana–China economic relations by providing financial services that support exporters, importers, and investors.
The Bank emphasised the need for structured financial solutions to enable local businesses to compete effectively in international markets amid the growing scale of bilateral trade.
GCB Bank made the commitment during the Chinese New Year Festival at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra, alongside the Chinese community in Ghana.
Bilateral trade between Ghana and China recently surpassed 14.1 billion US dollars, representing a 19.3 per cent year-on-year increase, the highest on record.
China’s GDP continues to grow, exceeding 140 trillion yuan (approximately 20.2 trillion US dollars), with an annual growth rate of about five per cent.
Mrs Auriella Baaba Ofori-Odame, Head of State-Owned Enterprises and Afro-Asia Banking at GCB Bank, outlined the Bank’s financial models aimed at enabling Ghanaian businesses to access China’s rapidly expanding market.
She highlighted the Bank’s export-support initiative, which assists clients in complying with export standards, navigating export protocols, and meeting market-entry requirements.
The initiative also links exporters to potential buyers in China, creating opportunities in a market of over 1.4 billion consumers.
Mrs Ofori-Odame noted that while the Bank encouraged local production, it recognised the importance of importing machinery and raw materials to sustain Ghana’s light industries.
“GCB Bank therefore facilitates connections between Ghanaian importers and verified Chinese manufacturers, suppliers, and original equipment producers, while providing advisory services to ensure sourcing is efficient and aligned with the needs of domestic industry,” she said.
She stressed the importance of seamless payment systems in facilitating trade between the two countries.
“GCB Bank has strengthened partnerships to offer secure cross-border interbank payment channels tailored specifically for Ghana–China transactions. These systems are designed to improve reliability, reduce delays, and enhance business confidence within the corridor,” Mrs Ofori-Odame stated.
In addition to facilitating trade, she said the Bank supports bilateral investment by offering advisory services, market intelligence, and financial structuring to connect investors from both countries.
This forms part of GCB Bank’s broader efforts to deepen Ghana’s economic ties with China, which continues to play a significant role in global growth.
Mrs Cynthia Ofori-Dwumfuo, Chief Marketing, Communications, and Customer Experience Officer at GCB Bank, described the Bank’s participation in the festival as a reflection of its cultural appreciation and strategic commitment to Ghana’s engagement with China.
She said the Bank had positioned itself as a bridge between local enterprises and global opportunities, particularly through its Afro-Asia Desk, which provides tailored services for businesses trading along the Ghana–China corridor.
Mrs Ofori-Dwumfuo emphasised that, with the continued growth of the Ghana–China partnership, GCB Bank remains committed to delivering financial solutions that support the development and expansion of local enterprises.
