Access Bank (Ghana) Plc has outlined its next phase of growth, shifting from balance sheet expansion to disciplined earnings growth, improved operating efficiency and stronger risk-adjusted returns.
At its 18th Annual General Meeting held in Accra on Friday, June 19, 2026, the Bank reported a record balance sheet of GH¢19.02 billion for the 2025 financial year, up 14.9% year-on-year, supported by continued deposit growth, expanded lending and retained earnings.
`1Management said the priority for 2026 and beyond is to convert this scale into sustainable shareholder value through a three-pillar strategy: Grow, Transform and Protect.
Strong Balance Sheet Momentum
The Bank delivered strong financial performance with its balance sheet with total equity rising to GH¢2.04 billion, driven entirely by retained earnings. Customer deposits grew by 11.5%to GH¢14.54 billion, while the loan book expanded significantly by 36.7% to GH¢5.06 billion, effectively tripling lending since 2022.
Speaking at the AGM, the Board Chairperson of Access Bank (Ghana) Plc, Ms. Ama Sarpong Bawuah, expressed appreciation to shareholders, customers, employees, and regulators for their continued trust and support.
“Despite a challenging operating business environment, Access Bank Ghana delivered a resilient performance underpinned by disciplined execution, customer-focused innovation, and the unwavering commitment of our people. We remain focused on creating sustainable value for our shareholders while supporting businesses, communities, and Ghana’s broader economic development of Ghana,” Ms. Bawuah said.
A clear path forward
Having firmly established the growth platform, the Bank is now focused on converting balance sheet strength into earnings growth and value for all stakeholders. The Managing Director of Access Bank (Ghana) Plc, Ms. Pearl Nkrumah, outlined the Bank’s strategic framework for 2026 and beyond: Grow, Transform, and Protect. According to Ms. Nkrumah, this framework is built around three forward priorities.
Under the Grow pillar, the Bank will focus on deepening customer relationships, strengthening deposit mobilisation, expanding quality lending and increasing engagement across retail, SME, commercial, corporate, and public sector banking.
Through Transform, Access Bank will continue to accelerate digital adoption, improve operational efficiency, and build a leaner cost-to-serve model. Under Protect, the focus will remain on disciplined risk management, asset quality, capital preservation, regulatory compliance and the protection of long-term shareholder value. Reiterating this, Ms. Nkrumah said
“The balance sheet, the deposit franchise, the branch network, and the digital infrastructure are now in place. The work ahead is to deploy that foundation purposefully, to deepen value for our customers, create sustainable returns for our shareholders, and strengthen our contribution to Ghana’s broader economic development,” she stated.
Governance and leadership
At the AGM, shareholders considered and approved the Bank’s Audited Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2025, and endorsed key board appointments to strengthen its leadership and governance.
These included the re-election of Miss Hadiza Ambursa and Mrs. Yvette Adounvo Atekpe as Independent Non-Executive Directors, and the appointment of Prof. David Dodoo-Arhin as Independent Non-Executive Director, Mr. Eugene Ocansey as Executive Director, Retail & SME Banking, and Mr. Nana Kwabena Afoom as Executive Director, Wholesale Banking.
Shareholders commended the Board and Management for the Bank’s disciplined stewardship during the year and welcomed the proposed dividend, subject to Bank of Ghana approval.
While noting the moderation in profit after tax, shareholders encouraged Management to sustain the momentum in balance sheet growth while accelerating the conversion of scale into stronger earnings and improved shareholder returns.
Community impact and recognition
Beyond financial performance, the Bank continued to strengthen its brand, customer experience and sustainability credentials. Access Bank Ghana was named Best Bank in SME Customer Experience 2025 by KPMG and received other notable recognitions, including Ghana’s Best Bank 2025 at the Euromoney Awards and the Global Finance Best Bank Award 2025.
Its “A Sandal More for a Better Tomorrow” initiative also reinforced the Bank’s commitment to inclusive impact, distributing over 31,000 sandals made from recycled tyres across all 16 regions and supporting more than 500 shoemakers in the Ashanti Region.
Outlook
Looking ahead, Access Bank Ghana remains optimistic about the opportunities within Ghana’s economy and is well-positioned to support individuals, businesses, and institutions through innovative financial solutions and strategic partnerships.
About Access Bank (Ghana) PLC
Access Bank (Ghana) Plc, a subsidiary of Access Bank Plc, is a leading full-service commercial bank in Ghana. Committed to driving financial inclusion and providing innovative banking solutions, Access Bank continues to empower individuals and businesses across Ghana through its extensive product offering.
With a strong focus on superior customer service, sustainability, and digital transformation, the Bank remains dedicated to supporting the unbanked, creating opportunities for financial growth, and ensuring that every customer enjoys seamless access to modern banking services.
