Finance

Nduom sues Republic newspaper for GH¢1m over ‘false’ GN Bank story

President of Groupe Nduom, Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, has sued the Republic press newspaper over a news story published on Monday, May 30, 2022.

The front page of the newspaper carried the headline “Nduom’s GN Bank in Trouble Again” with Dr. Nduom’s name misspelt.

Dr. Nduom is contending that the newspaper acted as a “mischievous parrot” with its publication in a hurry without checking the facts or accuracy of something allegedly originating from the USA.

It would be recalled that Dr. Nduom led his family to acquire a small bank on the south side of Chicago in the state of Illinois in the USA in 2016. The bank then known as the ISF Bank was rebranded as GN Bank after the acquisition.

“This bank is over 86 years old. The bank’s capital had been virtually depleted under the weight of millions of dollars of delinquent mortgage loans. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the regulator, gave an opportunity to the bank to seek new capital in order to avoid being shut down. Dr. Nduom presented a strategic and capital plan which was accepted by the regulator and was allowed to take control of the bank,” said the management of the bank.

This was after some months of rigorous and involved investigation and examination of Dr. Nduom and his family. The OCC was particularly interested in the ability of the incoming shareholders to turn the bank around.

After six years of very challenging situations and hard work, GN Bank is now financially stable. This feat has been achieved despite the horrific impact of COVID-19 in the USA the past two years.

“It has good capital above the regulator’s requirement, excellent liquidity and is profitable. Last year, the bank invested in and implemented an ultra modern core banking system called Precision from Fiserv a top rate technology company in the USA,” the management also stated.

GN Bank is the only black owned bank in the city of Chicago and the state of Illinois.

It is also one of 18 black owned banks in the entire USA.

The successes turnaround of the bank, observers believe is something to be celebrated by Africans everywhere. The bank offers deposit and lending solutions to African Americans and access to banking that the major banks even though they are present in the same south side of Chicago community cannot provide.

Not surprisingly, a vocal minority of former customers who failed to make required payments on their loans have complained from time to time when the bank has taken action within banking regulations to make them pay. In particular, the bank has initiated legal foreclosure actions to compel those who have been delinquent on making mortgage loan payments. It is such normal and appropriate actions that have helped bring discipline to the bank and have enhanced its prospects.

“GN Bank is not in trouble. In fact, it is thriving. The directors plan to initiate action to enable its growth to become a significant, small American bank. The bank has a national license which means when it’s capital allows, it can set up branches in other states of the USA.”

Dr. Nduom alleges in the lawsuit that the Republic Press newspaper hurried to publish a news story deliberately done to cause disaffection, financial loss and damage the reputation of Dr. Nduom in Ghana and internationally.

Source: angelonline.com.gh

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. In addition to his media ventures, Solomon serves as a Brand Ambassador for Alabuga, a prominent Russian industrial company, representing their interests and expansion across Africa. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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