This is the first Debit MasterCard to be launched for an international bank in the UK and the first to be delivered through a programme manager outside the USA. The card has been recognised by a short-listing for February's prestigious Card Awards in the category of Best industry Innovation of the Year.

Ghana International Bank (GHIB),is a UK incorporated and FSA regulated Bank and has had a presence in the UK since 1959.

In addition to its Corporate Banking business, GHIB aims to provide its retail customers with the highest levels of banking convenience, here in the UK, in Ghana or wherever they travel. Now, with PCT's help and expertise, the bank is able to offer its customers greater payment flexibility. The new Debit MasterCard allows the bank's customers to access their money at over 68,000 ATMs in the UK as well as ATMs around the world. . In addition, they can now also use their cards to make payments globally at retail outlets and on-line.

The launch of this Debit MasterCard marks another significant milestone in the development of PCT's product portfolio which also includes prepaid cards, payment consultancy and programme management. This further strengthens PCT's leading position in the deployment and implementation of payment solutions in the UK for banks and major corporate client.

PCT's Managing Director, Ian Clowes said "I am delighted to announce the launch of the debit card for Ghana International Bank. Not only is this a major step for Ghana International Bank but also a very important one for PCT. We have been working with the bank on this project for a year and it is great to see this new Debit MasterCard go live. The relationship between the two organisations has been first class and we expect this is only the first of a number of products which the companies will launch"

Commenting, Joe Mensah, the CEO at GHIB said "We are delighted to have worked with PCT to deliver the new Debit Card as we consider it a crucial delivery channel for our customers all over the world to access their cash and also make purchases on a 24/7 basis."

Philip Davies, Vice President of Product Management at MasterCard commented "We have worked closely with PCT and Ghana International Bank over the last year and are very pleased to be associated with the successful launch of this innovative product in the UK".