Mpraeso: The Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG) has commissioned a new branch at Mpraeso, in the Eastern Region, as part of its efforts to enhance financial inclusion and support community development. The bank aims to provide the needed support to existing and new small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the Mpraeso community and beyond. According to Ghana News Agency, the new branch is part of the 114 total branches of the bank across the country. The commissioning event was graced by chiefs, elders, and many community members at Kwahu Mpraeso. Other key personalities that attended the event included the Member of Parliament for the area, Mr. David Ansah Opoku, Mr. Daniel Wilson Addo, Managing Director for CBG, and Nana Abra-Appiah, Board Chair of the Bank. Ghana's unbanked population has seen a decrease over the years, with the current rate standing at 38 per cent in 2024, compared to 70 per cent in 2011. A significant number of the unbanked population are in rural parts of the country, such as Mpraes o, which hinders financial inclusion efforts in the country. Mpraeso, a major town in the Eastern Region, hosts thriving businesses in agriculture, tourism, and agro-processing sectors, among others. Mr. Wilson Addo addressed SMEs, students, artisans, and families at the gathering, stating that the bank's products were designed to meet the diverse needs of the communities. He emphasized that the bank was ready to assist with flexible financial products, advisory services, and innovative solutions to help businesses in Mpraeso thrive and expand. The MD highlighted that the new branch in Mpraeso signifies the Bank's unwavering commitment to financial inclusion and community empowerment. He noted the bank's excitement about supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which he described as the backbone of Ghana's economy. He urged the bank staff to demonstrate professionalism and enthusiasm, transforming the branch into a trusted partner for the community. Mr. Emmanuel Atta Ofori, Municipal Chief Ex ecutive Officer of Kwabre South Municipal Assembly, stated that the presence of the branch would provide residents with access to financial services and inclusion, enhancing economic opportunities. He added that it would address the needs of local businesses, farmers, artisans, and traders, providing necessary financial support for residents to expand their business operations. Miss Pokua Frimpong, a resident of the community, expressed in an interview with the Ghana News Agency that the bank's arrival was timely as the demand for services in the community had increased. She urged the bank to prioritize providing tailor-made financial services to traders in the community, noting that trading was becoming the predominant economic activity in the area.