By Adnan Adams Mohammed
GCB Bank PLC, following its stellar performance and subsequent approval from the Bank of Ghana (BoG), has announced a dividend payout of GH¢1 per share to its shareholders.
The announcement was made during the bank’s Annual General Meeting, where the Managing Director (MD), Mr. Farihan Alhassan, detailed a year of unprecedented growth despite a challenging macroeconomic environment.
The bank cemented its position as the titan of the nation’s financial sector, reporting a record-breaking profit before tax of GH¢3.2 billion for the 2025 financial year.
“Largest by all metrics”
In a bold declaration of the bank’s market dominance, Mr Alhassan noted that GCB Bank has moved beyond mere recovery from the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) to a phase of aggressive expansion.
“GCB Bank is now the largest bank in Ghana by all metrics whether you look at assets, deposits, or profitability,” Mr. Alhassan stated. “Our results are not just numbers on a page; they represent the deep trust our customers place in us and our ability to pivot and find value in a volatile market.”
The bank’s total assets saw a significant jump, driven by a robust increase in customer deposits, which now stand as the highest in the industry. This liquidity has allowed the bank to further support the private sector and government initiatives, reinforcing its role as a backbone of the Ghanaian economy.
Rewarding shareholders
The GH¢1 dividend declaration marks a significant moment for investors who have waited for a return to regular payouts following the banking sector’s restructuring period. The approval from the Bank of Ghana signals the regulator’s confidence in GCB’s capital adequacy and financial health.
Addressing the shareholders, Board Chairman Mr. Jude Arthur emphasized the bank’s resilience. “After rigorous consultations and ensuring our capital buffers remain strong, we are pleased to receive the BoG’s green light. This dividend is a testament to our commitment to creating value for those who have stood by the bank during turbulent times.”
Strategic outlook
The record GH¢3.2 billion profit was fueled by a sharp rise in net interest income and a significant contribution from non-funded income, including digital banking fees and foreign exchange gains.
Mr. Alhassan highlighted that the bank’s digital transformation remains a priority. “We are no longer just a ‘brick-and-mortar’ institution. Our digital platforms are processing millions of transactions, allowing us to reach the unbanked and provide seamless service to our corporate clients,” he added.
Market analysts suggest that GCB’s performance sets a high benchmark for the industry. With a footprint that spans every corner of the country and a balance sheet that dwarfs its competitors, the “Green Giant” of Ghanaian banking appears well-positioned to navigate the fiscal years ahead.
The bank’s leadership concluded the session by reassuring stakeholders that the focus for 2024 remains on maintaining asset quality, enhancing customer experience, and driving sustainable growth to ensure GCB remains the undisputed leader in Ghana’s financial landscape.
