Western Union "Back To School Bonanza 2003" launched

Accra, Sept. 9, GNA - This year's Western Union Money Transfer (WUMT) "Back to School Bonanza" was launched in Accra on Tuesday with a total of 800 million cedis in prizes to be won. This is up from last year's 500 million cedis, Mr Tony Kemevor, Country Manager of Western Union Transfer at Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), said.

He said this year's promotion is unique because customers do not have to enter into a draw before winning their prizes.

The promotion, which was first launched in 2000 by ADB, is aimed at sustaining product awareness through media campaign, increase market shares and encourage students in their academic endeavours.

The gift pack for this year's promotion, which contains items for school, including a ruler, pencil case and exercise books, will be given instantly to anybody that receives remittances through Western Union Money Transfer at any of the agencies and outlets from September 15 to October 17.

He said they have increased the number of agencies and outlets throughout the country to bring the service to the doorsteps of customers.

There are currently 127 outlets where customers can receive Western Union money Transfer service at the ADB, Global Access, Ghana Post, Ecobank and Standard Chartered Bank throughout the country.

The Trust Bank will join the promotion in the first week in October.

Mr Kemevor said in 2002, ADB generated 106.8 million dollars from its operation of the Western Union Money Transfer Service and commended customers for patronizing the service.

He said research conducted by the Western Union International showed that 35 per cent of total inflows of the union is used to support education in countries where it operates.

Mr Henry Baye, General Manager in charge of Secured Lending, Standchart, said Western Union is not only about sending money but also about contributing towards the development of the country.

"Western Union goes beyond sending and receiving money to sustain lots of families that hitherto were at the verge of separating," he said, adding that but for the Western Union lots of marriages would have been history.

Western Union was introduced in Africa in 1985 and is currently operating in 44 African countries.