By Staff Writer
The Accra High Court is hearing a case involving an alleged breach of customer confidentiality at the Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB), a state-owned premier bank.
The suit was initiated by a customer, John Esiape, a former General Secretary of the Union of Industry Commerce and Finance (UNICOF), who is seeking damages over the alleged unlawful disclosure of his bank statement without his consent. The Plaintiff contends that his bank statements were subsequently published in a court proceeding involving the Union of Industry Commerce and Finance and the plaintiff.
An intercepted internal audit report indicates that a branch manager at the bank’s Burma Camp Branch, identified as Alex Nyarko-Opoku, has been linked to the alleged disclosure.
According to the report, the official is said to have admitted involvement in the release of the customer’s account information to the UNICOF legal team. These claims, however, are yet to be tested by the court.
During proceedings in court, a witness for the bank, under cross-examination, is reported to have stated that Alex Nyarko, who also served as Chairman of the Union of Industry Commerce and Finance, disclosed the Plaintiff’s bank details to the 2nd Defendant, UNICOF.
From the court proceedings the bank, however, maintains that any such disclosure was unauthorised and did not follow established procedures.
The 2nd Defendant likewise per court records asserted that the statement was obtained to challenge what it describes as a false claim made by the Plaintiff.
The matter has raised questions regarding adherence to professional standards and internal controls within financial institutions.
Sources within the bank further indicate that Alex Nyarko remained in his position as Branch Manager of the Burma Camp Branch for several years following the alleged incident, reportedly serving until his retirement in 2025, with continued access to customer information.
Although internal disciplinary processes within financial institutions are typically not made public, such matters—where established—may attract serious sanctions, including dismissal.
The situation has generated discussion within the banking sector about the enforcement of confidentiality obligations and the protection of customer information.
The matter remains before the court, and no final determination has been made. The parties are expected to present their full cases for adjudication.
Further updates will be provided as proceedings continue and the case develops.
