Calls for fair distribution of Fair pavilions

Accra, March 5, GNA - Representatives of Banks and Financial Institutions have urged the management of the Ghana Trade Fair Company to consider a fair distribution of activities at the fair grounds to benefit all pavilions.

They said the current overly concentration of entertainment and food vending and other activities around pavilion A/B had worked to the disadvantage of other pavilions.

The Banks and Financial institutions, which are located in Pavilion J, said they had made minimal impact because of the isolation of their stand.

"Visitors are mainly being attracted to Pavilion A and B, which have the hype of all activities," Ms Mary Armour Corporate Assistant, National Investment Bank told journalists at the fair grounds. The institutions said they had only attracted between 20 and 30 visitors, most of whom are relatives and colleagues at work to their stands since the fair began some 10 days ago.

According to David Annan of the SSNIT Public Affairs Department, lack of directional signs to where they are located add to their woes. "Nobody knows where pavilion J is because there are no indications on the fair grounds to direct visitors," he said. Ms Yvonne Arthur of the NIB said, "Assuming we have food vendors and some of the outdoor events being held around our pavilion that will attract enough visitors."

Ms Esther Ofori, Chief Executive Officer of the GTFC said it was not the responsibility of the company's management to publicise the activities of exhibitors.

She said it was essential that exhibitors such as the banks devise means to attract people to their locations. Meanwhile, the financial institutions are introducing varied products to prospective clients.

Ms. Jennifer Asima, Stand Manager of the GCB said the bank was promoting various products such as royal banking and international foreign business for export and import.

Barclays Bank has also put on the market, a home finance product to allow individuals to buy their dream house in Accra, Tema and Kumasi. Qualified individuals between ages 21 - 60 could borrow a minimum amount of 150 million cedis or more with a repayment period of 15 years. The NIB is also showcasing its domestic and international banking products as well as services being provided by the Credits Evaluation Department, with the aim of assisting expansion and modernisation of enterprises.

The ARB Apex Bank is selling its Home Cash (Efie nie Fie) product, which is a new investment product that offers a unique opportunity to holder to open and operate both savings and current accounts in their home towns through any rural or community bank near them.

Mrs. Eunice Osei-Bonsu, PR Manager of ARB Apex Bank said the exhibitors are also being encouraged to send their monies from the fair through Apex link.