Ken Ofori Atta’s Databank Shuts Down over COVID-19 Panic Withdrawals

Following President Akufo-Addo’s announcement of a lockdown in a national broadcast at about 11:00pm on Friday, March 27, 2020, people have resorted to panic buying and panic withdrawals of their funds to enable them cushion themselves and their family members in case of any unforeseen eventualities.

However, in order to stem further panic withdrawals, Databank – an investment Banking firm owned by the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has served notice of a temporary shutdown of its services to the general public for the entire two week period of the lockdown.

A press release on the bank’s website signed by the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kojo Addae Mensah, stated among others that, “The rapid spread of COVID-19 has become a grave concern to us. To help protect both our staff and clients, Databank will temporarily close all its physical branches and co-locations, effective Monday, March 30, 2020 and work from home. This closure is expected to last for Two Weeks (until April 14, 2020).”

Meanwhile, the President’s announcement has made room for people to have access to essential services including banking services during the duration of the  lockdown.

“This, in essence, means everyone resident in these areas must stay at home for the next two weeks. However, if you must go out, it must only be to get essential items such as food, medicine, water, undertake banking transactions, or to use public toilet facilities. But, as much as possible, stay at home,” the President ordered.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Friday announced a two week partial lockdown of two major Metropolitan Areas which are considered as hotspots for the spread of the deadly COVID-19 strain in the Ghana. The move which is aimed at stemming the tide of the rapid spread of the deadly disease is expected to take effect from Monday, March 30, 2020.

“Effective 1:00am on Monday, March 30, some forty-eight hours from now, I have imposed, pursuant to the powers granted the President of the Republic, under the Imposition of Restrictions Act, 2020 (Act 1012), restrictions on movements of persons in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA, which includes Awutu Senya East), and the Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Area and contiguous districts, for a period of two (2) weeks, subject to review,” the President announced.

Below is the full press release from Databank

Source: Clement Akoloh || businessweekghana.com