Access Bank launches Turkish Desk to deepen ties between Ghana and Turkey

Access Bank Ghana on Friday, April 25 made a giant step to deepen trade relations between Ghana and Turkey with the official launch of their innovative Turkish Desk- a dedicated desk that promises to prioritise Turkish businesses and entrepreneurs working in Ghana.

The launch which took place at the official residence of the Turkish ambassador to Ghana saw members of the diplomatic Corp, the business community, policymakers, government officials and Access bank officials touting the significance of the Desk.

Explaining the rationale behind the setting up of the Turkish Desk, the Executive Director of Wholesale Banking James Bruce, said: “the launch of the Turkish Desk marks the formal recognition of a partnership that has been quietly and steadily building between Ghana and Turkey. At Access Bank we have always believed that true banking goes beyond transactions, it is about relationships, shared goals and most importantly it is about creating opportunities for mutual growth for both countries and our customers. Today, we take that belief one step further with an unveiling of a dedicated desk designed to exclusively serve and support Turkish companies, their business partners and trade on the Ghana-Turkey corridor.”

James Bruce added that this Desk and dedicated service to Turkey will not be limited to Ghana but across the 16 countries across the world where the Access Bank Group operates.

“The presence of Turkish businesses continues to grow and at Access Bank we are ready to grow with them. As a bank we understand that for Turkish businesses exploring new markets, the your needs go beyond capital; you need a partner who understands the terrain, understands your ambitions and can connect the dots between policy and opportunity and this is what our Turkish Desk will deliver,’ he said.

On his part, the Turkish Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Huseyin Gungor, praised Access Bank Ghana for taking the bold initiative to support businesses from Turkey in the face of the growing trade relations between the two countries.

He said Turkish people have shown to be dynamic, especially when it comes to entrepreneurship.

“Turkish Desk with Access Bank Ghana is a fantastic achievement by any measure. This is why it is my hope that this initiative will grow to the point that it is replicated in other countries where Access Bank operates. There are more than 800 Turkish businesses registered in Ghana, many of them are SME not based just in Accra, they are everywhere. In 2023, we were the second biggest investor in Ghana which is quite an achievement.”

He added that trade volumes between Ghana and Turkey have been hovering round $500m to $700m in the last few years but was optimistic that it could be easily doubled with the right support and policy.

 The CEO of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Dr. Mary Awusi who was a special guest at the event promised to support the Ghana- Turkey partnership and applauded Access Bank Ghana for the initiative.

“We applaud Access Bank for this partnership. This partnership does not only strengthen economic ties but it also paves the way for increased business opportunities, innovation and joint ventures for mutual benefit. I therefore extend my best wishes to Access Bank and the Turkish embassy in the continued effort to build lasting partnerships that benefits both nations. As CEO of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, I anticipate that this collaboration will further enhance trade and investment between Ghanaian and Turkish businesses. Together let us advance the Ghana-Turkey relationship for a prosperous future.” The Turkish Desk is the latest addition to the international partnership portfolio of Access Bank which already has dedicated German Desk, Lebanese Desk and a Chinese Desk.