The KNUST School of Business (KSB) in collaboration with the Ghana Association of Bankers (GAB), has organised a three-day banking seminar and exhibition at the Great Hall for members of the University Community including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise operators under the theme: "Facilitating SME Development in Ghana: The Role of Universal Banks".
In an address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor W.O. Ellis, appreciated the existing partnership between KNUST and GAB which was instituted three years ago. He indicated that organising a business related seminar annually was commendable since it would create an enabling environment for open interaction between banking industry and the University Community.
Professor Ellis pledged the University's commitment to develop entrepreneurship among students. He stressed the importance of establishing the KNUST Business Development Centre to serve as a link between the University and the business community, particularly through the provision of training, exploring business opportunities and consultancy.
The President of the GAB, Mr. Asare Akuffo, welcomed the collaboration between KNUST and the banking industry. He was optimistic that the business seminar would enhance teaching and research in academia, and participants would be introduced to the products and services from represented banks. He was full of praise to the KNUST Business School for hosting the seminar.
Mr. Akuffo disclosed that the funding for a Chair of Banking and Finance building at the KNUST School of Business for the teaching and research into banking and finance was an indication of the Association's commitment to the University.
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Honourable Hanna Tetteh, on her part, commended the Management, Staff and students of KNUST for making the seminar a reality because it would facilitate the dissemination of research findings, and the products and services of universal banks. She estimated that Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) account for about 90% of registered businesses in Ghana, and lamented that most financial institutions have become cautious in funding SME group as a result of default rates and other risks.
The three-day event attracted Chief Executives of banks, managers, renowned business practitioners, Senior Members of the University, students, members of the surrounding towns, SMEs operators, among others. However, experts from key financial outfits gave comprehensive presentations under the theme throughout the session. Some of the topics were: "Importance of Credit Rating, ICT and Banking, Mortgage Financing, Customer Relationship Management in Banking, and Innovative Approach to Banking". The audience who attended massively had the opportunity to ask questions and made contributions after which the appropriate answers provided by the speakers.
Among the participating banking institutions represented were HFC Bank, Ecobank, Ghana Commercial Bank, SG-SSB, Cal Bank and The Trust Bank (TTB). Meanwhile, the three- day seminar was moderated by the KNUST Centre for Business Development Officer, Mr. Ralph Nyaadu-Addo.
