Ecobank Sierra Leone recently launched a set of online banking services, including real-time transaction notifications via e-mail and SMS (Short Message Service).

The new Internet banking services are in addition to the monthly e-statement, an alternative to paper statements delivered in person or by post, that have been operational for the last two months.

On Monday, the bank's network/telecom administrator, Charles V. G. Ganda, sent a message to customers who have signed up for online banking, alerting them that they can now access their accounts 24 hours a day. The message contained step-by-step instructions on accessing accounts through the regional bank's Web site.

The notification system is the first of its kind in Sierra Leone, while Internet banking services allow for balance inquiry, funds transfers to other accounts in the same financial institution, downloading of transaction information, bill payment, loan applications, and check book and ATM (automated teller machines) card requests.

"With your assigned username and password, you can just confirm your account status online in your office without visiting the bank in person," said account holder Alhassan Jalloh. "This will save you the stress of crossing long distance, considering our hectic traffic."

Though Sierra Leone Commercial Bank offers similar online banking services, Ecobank has gained greater prominence for its network of branches covering 20 countries, including Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria.

ATMs are another new service from Ecobank. The machines allow withdrawals, print statements and offer access to account balances.

"My joy is that I can withdraw money anytime of the day and even on a Sunday," said Santigie Koroma, a customer from Freetown.

Though Koroma complained about the available number of ATMs in the city, as there are only two at the moment, he maintained that Ecobank's ATMs have prevented unnecessary delays and eased transactions.

The IDG News Service is a Network World affiliate.