The HFC Bank has indicated its readiness to increase its operations in the Western Region, especially in the cocoa growing areas.

The move by the bank is in line with its strategic objective to provide finance to Licensed Cocoa Buying companies operating in the region.

Mr. Charles Ofori-Acquah, Executive Director in-Charge of Business Development, HFC Bank speaking to the Ghana News Agency noted that the bank have always planned to enhance its involvement in the cocoa sector.

The HFC Bank recently opened three new branches in Sefwi Wiawso, Asankragua and Sefwi Essam as well as five additional agencies in Adabokrom, Akontombra, Juabeso, Sefwi Bekwai, and Asempaneye to deepen its banking services in the Western region.

Mr. Ofori-Acquah also stated that the bank would continue to grow its interest in the cocoa sector to show its commitment to the development of the Western Region.

He said the HFC Boafo, which is a subsidiary of the bank would be activated to offer micro-finance services to prospective customers in the operational areas. He stated that the bank also intends to initiate a strong programme for SMEs in order to address the business needs of the communities where the bank has its presence.

Mr. Ofori-Acquah further stated that apart from the cocoa sector the area also have sizeable mining companies which the bank intends to provide finance services to as well as their workers.