Juaben Rural Bank CEO Leads Green Charge with 40,000-Tree Planting Initiative
CEO of the Juaben Rural Bank PLC, Mr Augustine Awere Damoah has strongly reaffirmed the bank’s unwavering commitment to community development, comprehensive corporate social responsibility (CSR), and fostering a sustainable green environment through an ambitious tree-planting initiative. He also issued a fervent call to other corporate bodies and individuals to embrace their societal duties, emphasizing that CSR is not merely an option but a vital investment in the nation’s future.
He made these remarks in an interview with this reporter, following the bank’s successful 39th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Juaben.
Elder Damoah articulated that Juaben Rural Bank’s focus extends far beyond profit. Adding that they prioritize the well-being of the communities and individuals with whom it transacts. He confidently stated that the bank’s CSR efforts are second to none. A cornerstone of this commitment is an ambitious 40,000-tree planting project, launched during the bank’s 40th-anniversary celebration in 2024.
“As we are talking so far, we have been able to plant a significant number of trees towards our 40,000 goal, and we are not going to rest on our laurels,” Mr. Damoah said. He underscored the profound environmental philosophy guiding this initiative: “There is this general statement that ‘when the last tree dies, the last man dies.We said no, we are not going to wait for the last tree to die for also the last man to die. So, in our own small way, whatever that we can do to help improve our community and for that matter our environment, we are going to do.”
He further urged corporate entities and individuals across Ghana to emulate this spirit of responsibility. “We take this opportunity to also tell individuals, the corporate entities and bodies in and around our catchment area and for that matter our nation Ghana, that they should also take it upon themselves. If nothing at all, every year, if each and every individual in this country is going to plant just one tree within a year, I tell you, Ghana, our dear motherland, is going to be a real place to also stay and then enjoy.”
Beyond environmental stewardship, the bank’s commitment to community development was further exemplified by the announcement of a major project to establish a modern market center. Mr. Damoah revealed that the bank is dedicating over 12 plots of land, initially granted by the paramountcy of the Juaben Traditional Area (Nana Otuo Serebour II), for this purpose. “The Juabenhene gave us the 12 plots of land some time past, and we are also giving it out for the ultramodern market project.
“The bank is not going to construct the market,” he clarified, “we are offering the plot for the market and we are looking at individuals, we are looking at partners who come and then help develop. The vision is for this to become an unparalleled modern market center in the region”.
The 39th AGM itself, according to the CEO, was notable for its success, marked by unprecedented shareholder attendance and an astronomical increase in dividend payments. “This year’s meeting was also uniquely blended with Christmas celebrations, creating a festive atmosphere for all present. We decided to take the opportunity of the date and the day to also celebrate Christmas with our shareholders, customers and stakeholders,” Mr. Damoah noted.
Concluding his remarks, Elder Damoah extended warm Christmas wishes to all shareholders, stakeholders, customers, expressing hope for continued prosperity and engagement with Juaben Rural Bank in the coming year.
On his part, the bank’s board chairman and chief linguist of the Juabenhene, Dr
Nana Appiagyei Dankawoso I, expressed appreciation for the impressive turnout, mentioning that registration continued past the scheduled time due to the enthusiastic involvement of shareholders and stakeholders. He showcased the bank’s strong financial performance, which included substantial dividends for shareholders, and reaffirmed the institution’s focus on delivering consistent returns in the future.
A major highlight of the AGM was the inauguration of the bank’s 12th branch in Atonsu Agogo, aimed at broadening its reach and improving customer access. “Our main goal is to create profits for our stakeholders while ensuring the security of our clients’ deposits,” Nana Dankawoso stated.
In a commitment to corporate social responsibility, he announced an initiative to plant more trees as part of the bank’s environmental efforts. “When the last tree dies, the last man dies,” he emphasized.
Looking ahead, Nana Dankawoso revealed plans for a new market development in Asante Juaben. This project aims to stimulate community growth and economic progress.
As the meeting came to a close, Nana Dankawoso conveyed heartfelt Christmas greetings to all customers and stakeholders, reiterating Juaben Rural Bank’s commitment to fostering strong community ties while pursuing sustainable development.
