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Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Johnson Asiama has said that the BoG is going to realign its regulatory mandate to promote greater levels of financial intermediation to support economic growth.
While the banking sector remains broadly stable after the recent crises, he said, it requires targeted reforms to address legacy challenges and ensure continued resilience.
Under his stewardship, he said, the central bank shall enforce strict prudential regulations while fostering an enabling environment for responsible lending and innovation in the banking sector.
“We shall: tackle the problem of high non-performing loans (NPLs) and weak risk management practices in the industry, work closely with banks to reduce the high incidence of cybersecurity breaches and strengthen capital adequacy requirements, update the Banks and Specialized Deposit-Taking Institutions Act, 2016 (Act 930) which was passed in 2016, to enhance our resolution framework, and ensure that distressed institutions are effectively managed while maintaining financial stability, work with all stakeholders – including banks, financial institutions, technology partners, businesses, and regulators – to ensure that every Ghanaian; from traders to entrepreneurs, benefit from a financial system that is modern, fair, and built to last,” he said after his swearing-in by President John Dramani Mahama in Accra on Tuesday February 25.
Dr Johnson Asiama further said that one of his priority areas is the need to boost financial inclusion and innovation to promote inclusive economic growth, reduce poverty, empower individuals, and ensure the stability and competitiveness of the financial system.
He said it is gratifying to note that Ghana is well-poised to become a regional hub for financial technology and digital assets.
“This transformation agenda will be pursued with appropriate safeguards and policies to ensure financial stability, while fostering innovation in the payment ecosystem,” he said.
Dr Johnson Asiama said that another priority area is the need to reverse the Bank of Ghana’s negative equity position.
He expressed the view that a reversal of the negative equity will maintain financial stability, credibility, and public trust.
In this vein, he said the Bank’s management will seek to re-examine the Bank’s non-core operations where savings could be made. We shall adopt several austere measures to help reduce the Bank’s operational costs and achieve cost efficiency.
“Additionally, we will craft very clear policies to return the Bank’s negative equity to positive equity in the medium term,” he said during his swearing-in by President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday, February 25.
The Bank and the group reported a loss of GH¢10.50 billion for the year 2023, as against the GH¢60.86 billion loss in 2022.
As of 31 December 2023, the total liabilities of Bank of Ghana and its subsidiaries exceeded its total assets by GH¢65.36 billion as against GH¢54.52 billion deficit recorded by the end of 2022.
In 2023, total operating income of the Bank and the Group increased by 47.3 per cent to GH¢8.80 billion, the Bank of Ghana‘s 2023 Annual Report and Financial Statement disclosed.
Dr Asiama further stated that the reset path the BoG and by extension the government is embarking on is more than mere sloganeering.
“It is about restoring public trust, rebuilding confidence, and ensuring that Ghana’s economy is stable, innovative and ready for the future. Through responsible financial sector governance, digital transformation, and sound economic policies, we will create an economic and financial system that is transparent, predictable, and stable. Businesses will have the confidence to plan, and individuals will have access to a secure financial system that fosters growth and opportunity,” he said.
“As I take this oath of office,” he added, “I do so with a solemn promise to the people of Ghana.
That is to serve with diligence, impartiality, and unwavering commitment to the mandate of the Bank of Ghana. In this regard, I will carry out my duties, guided by no interests other than the interests of the people of Ghana. And I know I can count on your support, partnership, and trust as we embark on this journey together for God and for country.”
