Zenith Bank (Ghana) Limited marked the beginning of the festive season with its annual Light-Up Ceremony and Carols Night, bringing vibrant illumination to Zenith Heights and the Kotoka International Airport Enclave.
Since its inception in 2018, the Light-Up Ceremony has grown into a cherished tradition, reflecting the bank's commitment to celebrating community, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the Christmas season.
Speaking at the event on Friday, December 13, 2024, the MD/CEO of Zenith Bank, Mr. Henry Onwuzurigbo, underscored the symbolic importance of the occasion.
“This event celebrates the birth of Christ, a symbol of hope and renewal and It reminds us of our unity as a people and the strong bond we share with the communities we serve,” he said.
The ceremony also featured a heartwarming Carols Night, uniting staff, customers, and the broader community in celebration and gratitude for the season of giving.
True to the values celebrated at the Light-Up Ceremony, Zenith Bank Ghana reinforced its commitment to social impact throughout 2024 as the bank contributed significantly to education and social welfare by equipping institutions like KNUST and Ho Technical University with laptops and desktops, awarding scholarships and resources to the best West African Senior Secondary School Examination student and providing 1,000 underprivileged children with protective shoes.
In addition, the bank also opened new branches in Madina, Techiman, and Ashaiman to expand access to financial services for underserved communities.
As the lights illuminated the night sky, Mr. Henry Onwuzurigbo expressed gratitude to the bank's board, customers, staff, and media partners for their unwavering support.
“Let these lights symbolize hope, unity, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow. May the coming year bring even greater opportunities and accomplishments,” he concluded.
Zenith Bank Ghana’s Light-Up Ceremony serves as a beacon of resilience, optimism, and unity, setting a vibrant tone for a prosperous 2025.
A year of growth amid challenges
Despite economic challenges in 2024, Zenith Bank Ghana achieved remarkable growth as customer deposits rose by 56%, increasing from GH¢10.2 billion in September 2023 to GH¢15.9 billion in September 2024.
The bank also recorded a 62% growth in net loans and advances, reaching GH¢3.3 billion, with increased support for SMEs and retail customers. Additionally, profit before tax grew by 20%, amounting to GH¢882 million by September 2024.
Zenith Bank Ghana further disbursed GH¢202.79 million in loans through partnerships with the African Guarantee Fund and Development Bank Ghana, prioritising women-led businesses and offering lower interest rates to support entrepreneurs.
Awards and recognition
The bank’s innovations and customer-focused services earned it several prestigious awards in 2024, including:
1. Bank of the Year Ghana at The Banker Awards.
2. Best SME Partner Bank at The European Awards.
3.Best Mobile Banking App at The Digital Banker Africa Awards.
4. Technology-Driven Bank of the Year at the Ghana Information Technology and Telecom Awards.