Banks in Ghana delivered a strong financial performance in 2025, posting record profits as improved cost controls and steady income growth boosted overall sector profitability.

According to the latest Banking Sector Developments Report by the Bank of Ghana, the industry recorded total profit of GH¢15.0 billion in 2025, up sharply from GH¢10.4 billion in 2024, representing a 43.5 per cent year-on-year growth. This outpaced the 26.2 per cent growth recorded the previous year.

Profit before tax (PBT) also rose significantly, growing by 38.4 per cent in December 2025 compared with 24.4 per cent in December 2024, underscoring stronger operational efficiency across the sector.

While most income streams continued to expand, growth moderated relative to the previous year.

Net interest income increased by 16.4 per cent in 2025, slower than the 18.0 per cent growth recorded in 2024. The slowdown was attributed to lower lending rates and reduced yields on money market instruments during the review period.

Fees and commissions also posted softer growth, rising by 9.5 per cent compared with a much higher 25.8 per cent expansion in 2024.

However, the impact of slower income growth was more than offset by improved cost management.

Operating expenses rose by 14.0 per cent in December 2025, a notable moderation from the 22.0 per cent increase recorded a year earlier, driven by slower growth in both staff and non-staff costs.

Loan loss provisions and impairment charges declined sharply, further supporting the bottom line.

Provisions for depreciation, bad debts and impairment losses contracted by 57.1 per cent, compared with an 11.7 per cent contraction in December 2024, suggesting improving asset quality and lower credit risk pressures within the system.

Profitability indicators reflected the stronger performance.

Return on Assets (ROA) improved to 5.7 per cent in December 2025, up from 5.0 per cent in the same period in 2024, while Return on Equity (ROE) remained robust and stable at 30.8 per cent.

The latest figures point to a banking sector that is consolidating gains through disciplined cost controls, improved asset quality and sustained earnings, positioning Ghana’s financial system on firmer footing despite a challenging macroeconomic environment.