Access Bank Ghana, led by Managing Director Ms. Pearl Nkrumah, recently concluded a series of strategic engagements in Kumasi from May 11-15, 2026. The five-day visit aimed to reaffirm the bank’s commitment to expanding its operations and bolstering support for businesses within Ghana’s evolving financial landscape, characterized by increasing competition from fintech and mobile money services with annual transaction values surpassing GH¢3 trillion.
Strategic Expansion and Financial Performance
The Kumasi engagements are integral to Access Bank Ghana’s growth agenda, built on three core pillars: Grow, Transform, and Protect. This strategy is designed to adapt to the dynamic financial sector. The bank’s robust performance in 2025 underscores its growth trajectory. Total assets climbed to GH¢19.0 billion, marking a significant increase.
Furthermore, the bank reported a substantial 36.7 per cent rise in its loan book, reaching GH¢5.06 billion. Customer deposits also saw healthy growth, accumulating to GH¢14.54 billion. These figures highlight the bank’s expanding capacity to serve its clientele and its increasing market share.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
A key component of the visit involved a courtesy call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the Manhyia Palace. This interaction signifies the bank’s respect for traditional leadership and its intention to integrate its growth strategies with local cultural structures.
During this visit, Board Chairperson Ama Sarpong Bawuah formally introduced Ms. Pearl Nkrumah, celebrating her as the first Ghanaian and the first female to lead Access Bank Ghana. This appointment marks a significant milestone in the bank’s leadership evolution.
The delegation also fostered connections at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Discussions there centered on critical areas such as innovation, entrepreneurship development, and potential collaborations with the university’s vibrant community.
Supporting SMEs and Agriculture
Ms. Nkrumah engaged directly with the Kumasi business community at a working lunch. The bank showcased initiatives like the ‘W’ Initiative, which provides essential financing and mentorship to women-led businesses. Additionally, the bank highlighted its ongoing SME Clinics in Kumasi, designed to enhance access to credit and strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises.
Access Bank Ghana’s commitment extends to the crucial agriculture sector. The bank has allocated approximately GH¢1 billion, in partnership with the International Finance Corporation, to support cocoa purchases and associated value chain activities. This significant investment aims to bolster a vital segment of Ghana’s economy.
Further support for agribusiness comes through the BRIDGE in Agric Programme, a collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation. This program offers single-digit interest financing to agribusinesses. An export desk has also been established to facilitate international market access for these businesses.
Media Relations and Future Outlook
The engagements concluded with a media interaction in Kumasi. Access Bank Ghana announced a GH¢50,000 donation towards the Ashanti Regional Press Centre Project. Ms. Nkrumah stated this donation reflects the bank’s commitment to fostering strong media relations and supporting an environment of free and informed discourse.
These strategic engagements in Kumasi underscore Access Bank Ghana’s dedication to deepening its presence in key economic hubs across the nation. By implementing targeted financial and social interventions, the bank aims to contribute significantly to Ghana’s broader development agenda. The focus remains on adapting to market dynamics, supporting diverse business segments, and fostering sustainable growth.
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