The Bank of Ghana (BoG) is urging commercial banks to list on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) to increase access to long-term financing for businesses. The move aims to deepen the capital market and provide banks with additional sources of long-term capital.
Deepening Ghana's Capital Markets
The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, made the call at the 2026 edition of the CEOs Connect organised by the Canada-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (CANCHAM). He said a stronger presence of banks on the stock exchange would provide them with additional sources of long-term capital, which could in turn support longer-term lending to businesses.
According to Dr. Asiama, a stronger presence of banks in the capital market could also broaden their access to long-term funding, strengthen transparency and governance, and contribute to a deeper financial system. He emphasized that increased access to long-term funding could enable banks to offer loans with longer repayment periods, giving businesses the time needed to establish and expand their operations.
Dr. Asiama used a personal anecdote to illustrate the benefits of listing on the GSE. He said his sister assured him that a lot of progress is being made because if Ghana's banks are listed on the stock exchange, it would be an additional long-term capital being managed.
Long-Term Financing for Businesses
The Governor explained that longer-term financing would allow businesses to take sufficient time to establish factories and put their strategies in place before they are required to fully repay their loans. He said that way, a commercial bank can easily give you a loan for five years or even for ten years.
Dr. Asiama also highlighted the benefits of longer-term financing for businesses. He said it would give them the time needed to establish and expand their operations, which would lead to private-sector growth and productive investment.
Strengthening Ghana's Financial Architecture
The call by the Bank of Ghana forms part of its broader efforts to deepen Ghana's capital markets and mobilize long-term capital to support productive investment and private-sector growth. The Governor said the central bank would continue working with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Ghana Stock Exchange to strengthen Ghana's financial architecture.
In the next steps, the Bank of Ghana will work with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Ghana Stock Exchange to strengthen Ghana's financial architecture. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, as businesses will have access to long-term financing, and the financial system will be strengthened.
In conclusion, the Bank of Ghana's call for commercial banks to list on the GSE is a significant move towards deepening Ghana's capital markets and providing businesses with access to long-term financing. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, and businesses will be able to establish and expand their operations with the help of longer-term loans.
Source: Joy Online
