By Kizito CUDJOE
The Bawjiase Community Bank Plc has recorded a 24.1 percent increase in profit before tax in 2025, as innovative strategies launched a year earlier drove growth in deposits, assets and shareholder returns while positioning the bank for expansion through digital banking and new markets.
Profit before tax rose to GH¢9.35 million for the year ended December 2025 from GH¢7.53 million in the previous year, while total assets climbed nearly 25 percent to GH¢161.98 million and customer deposits surged 31.5 percent to GH¢124.05 million.
The performance signals early success for a transformation programme introduced in December 2024 to strengthen financial performance, improve risk management and compliance standards, and enhance the bank’s competitiveness in an increasingly regulated and technology-driven banking environment.
“The objectives have substantially been realised,” Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Michael Kofi Andoh, told shareholders at the bank’s 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The bank’s paid-up capital rose by 10.70 percent to GH¢6.29 million, comfortably exceeding the regulatory new minimum capital requirement of GH¢5 million, which community banks are expected to meet at the end of December 2026.
Mr. Andoh encouraged shareholders to continue investing in the bank to support future expansion plans and strengthen its capital base against any upward revision in regulatory capital requirements by the Bank of Ghana (BoG).
Loans and advances surged by 44.0 percent to GH¢48.5 million in 2025 from GH¢33.69 million recorded in 2024, reflecting the bank’s growing support for businesses, traders and households within its catchment area.
The bank’s strong earnings performance, according to the Board Chairman, has earned it approval from the BoG to reward shareholders with a dividend payout valued at GH¢2.29 million, comprising both cash and bonus shares.
The proposed distribution includes a cash dividend of GH¢1.64 million, equivalent to GH¢0.047 per share, alongside a bonus share issue valued at GH¢654,364.94 to be transferred to stated capital.
At the current share price of 20 pesewas, the cash dividend represents a return of 23.5 percent to shareholders.
Mr. Andoh said ongoing efficiency measures and technology investments are expected to improve operating performance over time.
Beyond the financial gains, he announced that the bank is pursuing an ambitious growth strategy anchored on geographic expansion and digital transformation to deepen financial inclusion and strengthen its market position.
In light of this, the bank aims to expand its footprint by establishing a new branch in Amasaman, within the Ga West Municipality. This move is intended to extend banking services to one of the fastest-growing commercial corridors in the Greater Accra Region.
The new branch, he noted, is expected to improve access to financial services for individuals, small businesses and underserved communities while supporting deposit mobilisation, credit growth and local economic activity in the municipality and adjoining areas.
The board and management of the bank, he said, believe the expansion will significantly enhance customer convenience and reinforce the bank’s competitive position in an increasingly crowded financial services market.
At the same time, the Chief Operating Officer of the bank, Mr. Stephen Prah, disclosed that they are accelerating a digital transformation agenda as customer preferences shift towards faster and more convenient banking channels.
He said the bank has rolled out SMS alert and communication services to improve customer engagement and provide timely updates on products, transactions and promotional campaigns.
It also includes joining the national digital payments ecosystem through the introduction of GhanaPay, enabling customers to carry out mobile transfers, payments and wallet transactions seamlessly.
In collaboration with ARB Apex Bank, Mr. Prah explained that the bank has deployed USSD banking services that allow customers to access key banking services on any mobile phone without internet connectivity, widening access to financial services, particularly in rural communities.
The bank has further expanded its reach through agency banking and third-party agency banking models, bringing deposits, withdrawals and other banking services closer to customers through authorised agents.
In a significant boost to its traditional savings mobilisation model, Mr. Prah informed shareholders that the bank has also introduced SUSU Remote Deposit Entry services using point-of-sale devices, enabling collectors to process transactions in real time while improving efficiency and customer convenience.
These investments, he said, reflect a long-term commitment to innovation, operational excellence and customer-centred service delivery.
Looking ahead, the bank expects prudent financial management and continued investment in technology and branch expansion to help sustain growth momentum in 2026 despite potential headwinds from lower treasury bill yields, pressure on lending margins and uncertainty surrounding inflation.
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