Capital Deadline Looms for Community Banks
Community banks that fail to meet the Bank of Ghana’s minimum paid-up capital requirement of GH¢5 million by 31 December 2026 risk regulatory sanctions, the Acting Managing Director of ARB Apex Bank PLC, Mr Curtis William Brantuo, has warned.
He said the capital requirement is a mandatory regulatory threshold that all community banks must attain within the stipulated timeframe, cautioning that non-compliance could attract severe consequences, including operational restrictions, heightened supervisory interventions or the revocation of banking licences.
Mr Brantuo issued the warning in remarks delivered on his behalf by Mr Kofi Owusu at the 35th Annual Stakeholders’ Meeting of Bawjiase Community Bank PLC held at Awutu Bawjiase.
He explained that the Bank of Ghana had outlined three options for institutions yet to satisfy the capital requirement. These include raising additional capital from existing shareholders through fresh equity injections or by converting retained earnings into stated capital before the end of December 2026.
He noted that community banks unable to meet the threshold independently could pursue mergers with other community banks to attain the minimum capital level. Alternatively, such institutions could voluntarily surrender their licences through a controlled exit arrangement designed to safeguard depositors’ interests.
“ARB Apex Bank urges the Board and Shareholders to conduct an immediate capital adequacy assessment, develop a clear capital mobilization strategy, secure stakeholders commitments, submit a credible recapitalisation plan and ensure full compliance before the deadline,” he devised.
Reflecting on operating conditions in 2025, Mr Brantuo acknowledged that the banking sector had contended with persistent inflation, exchange rate volatility and elevated interest rates. Despite these macroeconomic challenges, he said community banks had demonstrated resilience by maintaining depositor confidence, improving asset quality and supporting economic recovery at the local level.
He commended Bawjiase Community Bank for its contribution to financial inclusion and community development over the past 36 years.
“On behalf of ARB Apex Bank, I congratulate the Board, management, staff and the esteemed stakeholders of Bawjiase Community Bank for convening their milestone stakeholder’s engagement.
“Thirty-six years of dedicated service to Awutu Bawjiase Community and its environs is a remarkable achievement that deserves celebration,” he added.
According to Mr Brantuo, community banks continue to play an indispensable role in Ghana’s financial system by extending banking services to underserved communities, providing credit to small and medium-sized enterprises as well as the agricultural sector, mobilising local savings for productive investment and driving community development beyond conventional banking activities.
He further praised Bawjiase Community Bank’s financial performance, stating that its achievements in 2025 had strengthened investor confidence and positioned it favourably for future capital mobilisation. He noted that the bank had exceeded the minimum regulatory capital requirement while recording improvements across key financial indicators.
The bank’s total assets grew by 25 per cent from GH¢129.6 million in 2024 to GH¢161.9 million in 2025, reflecting continued business expansion. Customer deposits also increased by 31.5 per cent to GH¢124 million from GH¢94.3 million a year earlier, indicating sustained depositor confidence.
Profit before tax rose from GH¢7.5 million in 2024 to GH¢9.3 million in 2025, representing strong earnings growth and improved operational performance.
“ARB Apex Bank reaffirms our commitment to working with Awutu Bawjiase Community Bank to build a resilient, trust and developmental-oriented banking network.
