Access Bank (Ghana) Plc has unveiled an ambitious new chapter in its growth journey after achieving a record balance sheet of GH¢19.02 billion in the 2025 financial year.
Having successfully expanded its scale and strengthened its market position, the bank is now turning its attention to a new mission: transforming growth into higher earnings, improved efficiency, and stronger returns for shareholders.
The announcement was made during the bank’s 18th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Accra, where management outlined a bold strategy designed to unlock greater value from the institution’s expanding operations.
The impressive balance sheet growth of 14.9 percent year-on-year was driven by robust deposit mobilisation, increased lending activities, and retained earnings. This milestone reflects the bank’s resilience and ability to navigate a challenging economic environment while maintaining steady growth momentum.
Deposits, Loans and Equity Reach New Heights
The bank’s financial performance highlighted a remarkable year of expansion across key indicators. Total equity rose to GH¢2.04 billion, supported entirely by retained earnings. Customer deposits climbed by 11.5 percent to GH¢14.54 billion, reinforcing customer confidence in the institution.
Perhaps even more striking was the growth in the bank’s loan portfolio. The loan book surged by 36.7 percent to GH¢5.06 billion, effectively tripling lending volumes since 2022. This significant increase demonstrates Access Bank Ghana’s commitment to supporting businesses and individuals while contributing to broader economic activity.
Board Chairperson, Ms. Ama Sarpong Bawuah, praised stakeholders for their role in the bank’s success and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to sustainable growth.
“Despite a challenging operating 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.”
Ms. Ama Sarpong Bawuah
A Bold Three-Pillar Strategy Emerges
With its growth platform firmly established, Access Bank is now pursuing what management describes as the next phase of value creation. The bank has introduced a strategic framework centred on three pillars: Grow, Transform and Protect.
Managing Director Ms. Pearl Nkrumah explained that the framework is designed to convert the bank’s balance sheet strength into sustainable earnings growth and enhanced stakeholder value.
Under the Grow pillar, the bank plans to deepen customer relationships, expand quality lending, strengthen deposit mobilisation, and increase engagement across retail, SME, commercial, corporate, and public-sector banking segments.
The Transform pillar focuses on accelerating digital adoption, streamlining operations, and building a more efficient cost structure capable of delivering higher profitability.
Meanwhile, the Protect pillar will concentrate on disciplined risk management, maintaining asset quality, preserving capital, ensuring regulatory compliance, and safeguarding long-term shareholder value.
Digital Transformation Takes Centre Stage
As competition intensifies within Ghana’s banking industry, Access Bank is positioning technology as a key driver of future success. The bank believes that greater digital adoption will not only improve customer experiences but also enhance operational efficiency and profitability.
By leveraging its growing digital infrastructure, the institution aims to create seamless banking experiences while reducing operational costs. This approach aligns with global banking trends where technology-driven efficiency increasingly determines competitiveness and profitability.
Reiterating the bank’s vision for the future, Ms. Nkrumah stated:
“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, deepen value for our customers, create sustainable returns for our shareholders and strengthen our contribution to Ghana’s broader economic development.”
Ms. Pearl Nkrumah
Strengthening Governance and Leadership
The AGM also provided shareholders with an opportunity to review and approve the bank’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025.
In addition, shareholders endorsed several key board and executive appointments aimed at strengthening governance and leadership capacity. These included the re-election of Miss Hadiza Ambursa and Mrs. Yvette Adounvo Atekpe as Independent Non-Executive Directors.
The meeting also approved the appointment of Prof. David Dodoo-Arhin as Independent Non-Executive Director, Mr. Eugene Ocansey as Executive Director for Retail and SME Banking, and Mr. Nana Kwabena Afoom as Executive Director for Wholesale Banking.
Shareholders commended the board and management for steering the institution through a demanding operating environment while maintaining strong growth momentum.
Awards and Social Impact Reinforce Brand Strength
Beyond its financial achievements, Access Bank Ghana continued to strengthen its reputation through customer service excellence and impactful sustainability initiatives.
The bank earned recognition as Best Bank in SME Customer Experience 2025 by KPMG and secured prestigious honours including Ghana’s Best Bank 2025 at the Euromoney Awards and the Global Finance Best Bank Award 2025.
Its widely acclaimed “A Sandal More for a Better Tomorrow” initiative further demonstrated the institution’s commitment to social impact. Through the programme, more than 31,000 sandals made from recycled tyres were distributed across all 16 regions of Ghana while supporting over 500 shoemakers in the Ashanti Region.
Outlook Remains Bright
As Ghana’s economy continues to present new opportunities, Access Bank Ghana believes it is well positioned to support individuals, businesses, and institutions through innovative financial solutions and strategic partnerships.
With a record balance sheet, expanding customer base, strengthened leadership team, and a clear roadmap focused on growth, transformation, and protection, the bank appears ready to enter a new era where scale is no longer the destination but the foundation for sustained profitability and shareholder value creation.
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