UT, Capital Bank customers stranded
Some customers of the UT Bank Limited and the Capital Bank Limited became stranded across the nation when they went to transact business at their bank branches yesterday because the banks had been taken over by the GCB Bank.
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During a visit to some branches of the two banks, it was observed that notices had been posted on the entrances of the banks, indicating that the Bank of Ghana (BoG) had approved a purchase and assumption transaction of the banks with the GCB Bank that transferred all deposits and selected assets of both banks to the GCB Bank.
The notices said the BoG had revoked the licences of the UT Bank and the Capital Bank due to severe impairment of their capital, adding that “the remaining assets and liabilities will be realised and settled, respectively, through a receivership process.”
However, operations at the branches resumed later in the afternoon under GCB Bank’s supervision.
Change of logos
At the head offices of the two banks in Accra, the Daily Graphic observed that the logos of the banks were being replaced with that of the GCB Bank.
At some of the branches, the management of the two banks and that of the GCB Bank were seen interacting but they declined to grant any interview to the media.
Meanwhile, a manager who spoke to the Daily Graphic on condition of anonymity said the changes would be effected at all branches of the two banks nationwide.
The GCB Bank started serving customers of the UT Bank and the Capital Bank at 2 p.m.
At the Capital Bank branch at the Airport City Square, a worker who spoke to the Daily Graphic said although the staff were ready to serve customers, their systems were down because of the takeover.
At the UT Bank branch at its Head Office, a customer, Mr Eric Asiedu, told the Daily Graphic that he had gone to the bank to withdraw money but was told that the bank had been taken over by the GCB Bank.
Most of the customers of the two banks told the Daily Graphic that they were not worried about the turn of events, especially because the GCB Bank was involved, describing the bank as credible and trustworthy.
However, they were quick to appeal to the GCB Bank to maintain the quality of service they had enjoyed from the two affected banks over the years.
Others also said they were waiting for the management of their banks to communicate officially to them concerning the issues before they could make any decision whether or not to withdraw money from the GCB Bank.
Tema
From Tema, Della Russel Ocloo reports that the Tema Community Two branch of the UT Bank opened to business about 2 p.m.
Three armed policemen were positioned at the bank to maintain law and order.
Scores of customers who went to the branch early in the morning to transact business had to wait for hours before they were served.
A customer, who wanted to remain anonymous, told the Daily Graphic that while some customers had been aware that the bank was facing challenges, the news of the takeover came as a surprise to many.
Harbour branch
The situation at the Tema Harbour branch of the UT Bank was different, as customers were seen depositing cash, in spite of the apprehension.
A few other customers were also seen being taken through account opening procedures by officials of the bank.
The Branch Manager, Ms Francisca Fiagbe, declined to comment on the situation when she was contacted.
Sekondi/Takoradi
From Sekondi/Takoradi in the Western Region, Dotsey Koblah Aklorbortu reports that some clients of the Capital Bank and the UT Bank who had not heard of the takeover and the directive that the banks were to open for business at 1 p.m., went to the banks in the morning to transact business, only for them to be told that the banks had been taken over by the GCB Bank.
Apprehensive customers, who were yet to come to terms with the new development, besieged the entrance of the banks, but occasionally the branch managers came out to explain the dynamics to them.
Ho
There was no banking activity at the UT Bank branch in Ho yesterday morning following the announcement of the takeover of the bank by GCB, reports Tim Dzamboe.
A security officer at the bank restrained the Daily Graphic from entering the banking hall, with the excuse that the bank would be opened to the public at 1 p.m. and that the books were under examination to ensure a successful transfer to the GCB.
Kumasi
From Kumasi, Donald Ato Dapatem reports that customers of the two banks were initially apprehensive when some of the branches failed to open at 1.30 p.m., as earlier announced.
Unlike in the morning when there were a few people at the banks, there were many customers at the branches by 1 p.m., all hoping to be served.
At the Harper Road branch of the UT Bank, near the STC Terminal, the bank staff, supported by some policemen, were seen advising some agitated customers to exercise restraint as preparations were being made to serve them.
At the Harper Road branch of the Capital Bank, customers could not initially access the ATMs, but after the problem had been resolved, they were told that they could only check their accounts.
