banking and finance

Banks face high Non-Performing Loans despite asset quality gain 18.7%

Deloitte reports Ghana's banking sector faces an 18.7% Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio, despite improved asset quality. This is a key risk. It warns that higher crude oil prices could lead to inflation. This comes after the Bank of Ghana cut its policy rate to 14% due to better economic conditions like 6% GDP growth and lower inflation at 3.3%.

Governor Dr ·
Banks face high Non-Performing Loans despite asset quality gain 18.7%

Deloitte warns that Ghana's banking sector still faces a high Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio. This is 18.7%. This remains a major risk, even with better asset quality across banks. The high NPL ratio means more loans are not being paid back. This can hurt bank profits and stability.

Deloitte also points to possible rising inflation. This could happen because of higher crude oil prices. These prices make the cost of goods go up. Global political tensions also add to this risk.

These warnings come after the Bank of Ghana cut its policy rate. The rate went down by 150 basis points to 14%. This decision was based on improving economic conditions. Ghana's economy grew by 6% in 2025. Inflation dropped to 3.3% in February 2026. Also, Ghana's external currency reserves grew to US$14.5 billion.

Deloitte noted that real returns on investments are still good. This is because interest rates are much higher than inflation. A strong government financial position and good external trade position help Ghana. This gives the country space to handle future shocks. But, if interest rates fall further, money could leave the country. Also, if liquid cash in banks goes up, the Ghana Cedi could become unstable.

Tags: NPL banking sector Deloitte policy rate inflation Bank of Ghana

Source: StatsGH — Ghana's data-driven news platform