Under the Baobab: Bankers on change of time

The time for bank transactions has recently been changed.  Banks now operate from 8.00am to 4.00pm, as opposed to the usual closing time of 6:00pm.  

Following this recent development Daily Observer caught up with some bankers and asked them about their views on the new banking time.
Below are excerpts of what they say.

Modou Lamin Gaye, Head of Brand and Communication - Ecobank
The banking time is changed so as to reduce the inconvenience of the long working hours we spent particularly those working at the branches.  If you look at the branch banking times before, our staffs don’t have time with their families as all their concentration is on the work.  

This new banking time has affected their lives, they are happy to have straight duties and be with their family after work.  I really think it is a good move as it enables us to have a better work balance.  However the challenge is for the customers to adjust themselves to the new dispensation.

Alagie Mbowe, Head of Transactions - Ecobank
I think the Central Bank of The Gambia has made a good decision.  This will enable those who work in the branches to be able to see their families and even further their education in the evenings.  Our customers should however have no problem with the new time.  We have the ATM service and customers can utilize that service to withdraw money outside normal banking hours.

Muhammed Jallow, Staff - Bakau PHB branch
The change of time is favourable for the staff of the bank.  However customers might say that they do not want to spend the night at home with monies, so they will prefer to deposit their funds before the following day.  The fact that we close at 4:00pm for the general public doesn’t necessary mean we go at 4:00pm, because there are still some internal things that need to be completed before the end of the day.

Thus, it can take time, depending on the public demand.  Also due to the change in time, we will make special arrangements for customers all geared towards satisfying their needs.

Babu Gai, Cooperate Affairs Officer - Guarantee Trust Bank
The change of banking times is normal because if you look at it, here in The Gambia many people work from 8:00am to 4:00pm.  In fact, this will make things easy for us.  I don’t think customers should have problem with new time. Cooperate customers do bank during the normal hours and for individuals too, they can adjust themselves to it.  

Besides we have 4 ATM machines that operates 24hr round the clock.  Customers can withdraw money with that anytime they want.

Rohey Touray, Ag. Branch Manager - Bakau PHB branch
The new time schedule is welcome and timely. For us, the workers, we have no problem with it.  However, couple of business men complain of the new timing.  It is not favourable to them for one reason or the other.  Initially, we used to have longer breaks, and then close late at night. But with this new timing, really we are not affected.