Ecobank Ghana PLC delivered a robust financial performance for the 2025 financial year, with profit before tax rising by 28.3 percent to GH¢3.03 billion from GH¢2.4 billion recorded in 2024.
The bank’s strong showing was underpinned by total revenue of GH¢5.2 billion, driven by growth in net interest income, trading activities and fee-based earnings.
Addressing shareholders at the bank’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Accra, Chairman Chief Alsassan Adani attributed the performance to disciplined execution of strategy, prudent cost management and sustained customer confidence.
“Our operational efficiency remained robust during the year, reflected in a strong cost-to-income ratio of 35.13 percent. This demonstrates the effectiveness of our cost optimisation efforts despite prevailing economic pressures,” he said.
Total assets expanded by 2.8 percent to GH¢47.33 billion, while the bank maintained capital and liquidity levels comfortably above regulatory thresholds.
In line with the improved performance, the board proposed a dividend of GH¢1.21 per share, which was approved overwhelmingly by shareholders.
The bank’s diversification strategy continued to gain traction, with non-interest income contributing 49 percent of total revenue, up significantly from 30 percent in 2024.
“The improved balance between interest and non-interest income underscores the effectiveness of our diversification agenda and successful execution of our trade finance and cash management initiatives,” the chairman noted.
Customer deposits stood at GH¢31.56 billion at the end of the period, representing a marginal decline of 2.77 percent, which management described as a deliberate balance sheet optimisation strategy.
Ecobank Ghana closed the year with a Common Equity Tier One (CET1) ratio of 19.83 percent and a Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 21.23 percent, both significantly above the Bank of Ghana’s minimum requirement of 13 percent.
Chief Adani reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to sustainable growth through technology-driven transformation, revenue diversification and strengthened risk management practices.
On corporate social responsibility, the chairman noted continued investment in education, health, environmental sustainability and financial inclusion.
Key among these initiatives was the commissioning of digital learning centres, including facilities designed for learners with disabilities, to promote inclusive education.
“A defining highlight of the year was the 13th Ecobank Day celebration under the theme ‘Enabling Inclusive Learning for All’, which focused on expanding access to digital education for underserved communities,” he said.
The bank also received 16 local and international awards in 2025, spanning sustainable finance, SME banking, customer service, marketing and corporate governance.
Managing Director Mrs Abena Osei-Poku said the performance reflected both the resilience of Ghana’s economy and the bank’s disciplined execution.
Shareholders’ funds rose by 33 percent to GH¢7.2 billion, while loans and advances expanded by 24 percent.
She acknowledged that the bank’s non-performing loan (NPL) ratio stood at 17.92 percent, but indicated that management had intensified recovery efforts and strengthened credit monitoring systems.
“We are targeting a reduction in the NPL ratio to below 10 percent by the end of 2026,” she stated.
Mrs Osei-Poku added that Ecobank Ghana would continue investing in digital banking platforms to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency, while advancing its sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda.
By: Christian Akorlie / businesspostonline
