GCB Bank introduces Hajj account to muslim community in Tamale

The newly launched GCB Hajj Savings Account has received strong support from Islamic scholars, youth and community leaders in Tamale, with the general consensus being that it is a significant initiative which will enable more Ghanaian Muslims to prepare financially and spiritually for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

At the Tamale launch last Thursday, the religious leaders praised GCB Bank for introducing such an innovative product tailored to the unique needs of the Muslim community.

Speaking at the event, the Head of the Shia Community in Tamale, Sheikh Abdul Mumin, described the product as one of a kind. According to him “Allah, the most merciful, is the ultimate provider but that does not mean we should sit idle. We must make the effort to plan and save gradually, and Insha Allah, we will be able to go on a Hajj.”

Also at the event was the Chief Imam of the 6th Garrison of the Air Force Base in Tamale, Sheikh Abdul-Rahim Yamusah, who commended the Bank for making the sacred journey more accessible. He explained that Mecca is more than just a religious ritual. It is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that completes one’s spiritual obligations, so every Muslim should take advantage of the Hajj Account to save towards the journey.

The GCB Hajj Account is a specialised savings account designed to help Muslims plan and save towards the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The product which is open to GCB Bank customers, is designed to offer convenience and security for prospective pilgrims, enabling them to set aside funds over time into a dedicated account which attracts no interest.

With as little as a GHS50.00 deposit, customers can open a Hajj account and enjoy benefits like free insurance and no monthly charges. Account holders who return from the trip can also convert their account into the standard savings account to save for other purposes or invest in any GCB investment products.

The Executive Head of Retail Banking at GCB Bank, Sina Kamagate explained that in addition to reducing risks and easing the financial burden, GCB Bank was giving Muslims across the country peace of mind as they prepared for their sacred journey.

“The creation of this account is to protect the Muslim community from fraudulent practices in Hajj planning. The Bank will facilitate the transfer of funds directly to accredited agents without putting money into their private accounts, ensuring a secure and transparent process,” he said.

By offering a formal, regulated channel for Hajj savings, customers can be confident that their contributions are secure, traceable, and used exclusively for their intended purpose and when the funds meet the threshold for covering the cost of the Hajj, it will be transferred to the Hajj Board or any other entity based on the customer’s request.

GCB Bank PLC is a leading player in Ghana’s banking industry, with 184 branches, 340 ATMs complemented by various innovative digital solutions. With the largest branch network in Ghana, GCB Bank is closely associated with hundreds of communities where the Bank not only offers day-to-day financial services but also provides the needed social support.

As Ghana’s premier indigenous bank, GCB has since its establishment in 1953, contributed significantly to helping individuals, SMEs, corporates and institutions to achieve financial wellbeing and meet their banking needs. The Bank’s relationship with its clients and other stakeholders is delivered on a platform of trust, support and collaboration and anchored through its brand promise, “Your Bank for Life”.

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