Staff of collapsed banks – UT and Capital Banks – are to undergo a skills assessment test by new owners GCB bank as it prepares to lay off workers of the two banks.
The operations of the two struggling indigenous banks were taken over by GCB bank Monday following the approval of the Bank of Ghana.
Addressing the press Tuesday, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GCB, Raymond Sowah said the skills assessment test forms part of the integration process.
“We shall conduct a skills assessment as part of integration process. We need to know that we can bring everyone onboard or not. This is an expanded institution and as we go through the integration we should know what jobs to close down and what jobs to retain,” he said.
Mr. Sowah also assured customers of the two collapsed banks that their deposits are safe adding that they are guaranteed quality service under the new management.
“We will take this opportunity to assure all depositors of the two erstwhile banks that their deposits are protected. You can go to the branches that you have used from time immemorial and you will be served.”
Mr. Sowah also explained that acquiring the two banks wasn’t an easy decision to take.
“GCB was the most profitable bank last year. We must be doing something right to have gotten ourselves to that position. Banks go through some cycles, some good some bad. We are aware of the needs of the customer base that we have and I also want to assure you that we did not take the decision to assume the management of these two banks lightly.
“We recognize that there are certain things that we can learn from them and as well as certain things that they can learn from us. And that is why we will ensure that we integrate with these institutions seamlessly so that they can bring whatever good they have to deal with their customers.”