The idea of establishing a RURAL BANK at Amasaman was mooted by Messrs Archibald Amponsa Tannor and Mr. Robert Larmiayi Golightly both officials of the then Examinations Department, now Banking Supervision Department, of the Bank of Ghana in the early 1980s.
As a result of this discussion, Mr. Golightly contacted Nii Amasa Oseiku II, the Chief of Amasaman for the possibility of setting up a local bank in the district. Nii Amasa Oseiku was very enthusiastic about the proposal of setting up a Bank. After series of meetings at his Palace, Mr. David Hammond (now deceased) an Executive Director of the defunct Mankoadze Fisheries and a prominent personality in traditional affairs was introduced to join the meeting. Mr. David Hammond also introduced Mr. Edwin Victor Ardey Acquah, a seasoned Banker, then with some thirty-three years of banking experience as the first Manager of the Ga Rural Bank.
Miss Emelia Korkoi Aryee (also of blessed memory), a lawyer by profession was also brought in by Mr. Hammond as a Legal Adviser to the Board. The first inaugural meeting was held at Nii Amasa’s Palace where an IMC was formed with Nii Amasa Oseiku II as Chairman to prepare for the establishment of the Bank. In the early part of 1984, Nii Amasa Oseiku II approached Mr. F.A. Laryea who was a Government Appointeee on the Tema District Council, to discuss this noble proposal. Ensuing the above discussions, a committee was formed to plan for the establishment of a Bank, comprising the following members:
The aims and objectives were to:
The Committee made an appeal to the Tema Development Corporation, which was in charge of Amasaman area, and was provided with an abandoned building previously used as a clinic. The building was rehabilitated to suit banking operations through the support of the Committee members and other local residents. The Committee, out of their own resources brought about the functioning the Bank.
The Committee targeted an amount of GH¢………………..which was obtained by voluntary contributions for the operation of the Bank. All being set, with the consent of the Bank of Ghana, the Bank was inaugurated on December 18, 1984 and commenced business on 21st December, 1984 with the following appointed as Board members.
Through the toils, sacrifices, dedication and patriotism of the above-mentioned pioneers, the Bank progressed gradually. Today, the Bank can boast of this fine edifice which we see or occupy with a capital base of GH¢……………………………and assets well over GH¢…………………………………….
Unfortunately, the following pioneers were not alive to see the fruit of their labour:
May we please observe a minute’s silence for the souls of our departed brothers and sister.
May their souls rest in perfect peace. Amen