Republic Financial Holdings Limited, the parent company of Republic Bank Ghana, has announced that the group will be making a US$2-million contribution, collectively, across all of the territories in which it operates.

They are Trinidad and Tobago; Grenada, Guyana, Barbados, Ghana, Suriname, Cayman Islands, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines; St. Kitts & Nevis; St. Maarten, Anguilla and Dominica.

The pledge of US$2 million across all its territories falls under its Power to Make a Difference programme, and is being, specifically, targeted to address some of the key immediate requirements in the fight against COVID-19.

The funding is targeted to assist with the purchase and provision of critical needs such as ventilators, PPE, test kits, food and supplies for healthcare workers as well as supporting the all-important social distancing messages.

Of this total, an amount of GHS1.1 million (US$200,000.00) has been earmarked for Ghana.

Among the beneficiaries are the President of Ghana's COVID-19 Trust Fund, Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge), Kumasi South General Hospital, and, together with the generous support of its staff, the various communities also affected.

According to the Managing Director of Republic Bank Ghana, Mr Farid Antar, the donation is to assist the government and other stakeholders in the fight against COVID-19 as Ghana strives to overcome the pandemic. 

Members of the Republic Group have already taken numerous steps to safeguard the wellbeing of their clients and staff while ensuring the provision of essential banking services. And the Group has also reached out to its clients to provide cash flow reliefs to those affected by the disruption brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

President & CEO of the Group, Nigel Baptiste, stated: “The full extent of the human tragedy that is unfolding before our eyes is epochal. While the Group is committed to helping our clients survive the economic impact, there is so much more that is needed to be done at the society level. No country is immune from this virus and given our preference for open borders, we all must be interested in what happens elsewhere. Management of this virus requires global collective responsibility”

The Republic Financial Group said it "recognises the dynamic nature of the situation and remains committed to a continuous assessment of its actions and responses to ensure that the best interests of its staff, clients and communities are served".