UBA Ghana targets expansion amid strong 2025 performance

UBA Ghana will execute a targeted local expansion strategy for the 2026 financial year to increase its number of branches across the country.

The expansion would see the establishment of new branches in the Eastern, Bono East and Central regions as part of efforts to reinforce the bank’s position as the preferred bank in the country.

The Managing Director of UBA Ghana, Bernard Appiah Gyebi, who announced this at the bank’s 2026 Annual General Meeting in Accra last Monday, said the move would improve access to banking services, strengthen support for local businesses and enhance trade activities within the targeted regions.

He explained that the strategy also aligned with the bank’s commitment to promoting financial inclusion by bringing banking services closer to customers in growing and underserved communities.

He added that the continued expansion would enhance the bank’s ability to support customers and businesses across all sixteen regions while contributing to economic growth and development nationwide.

Financial performance 

He disclosed that UBA Ghana delivered a strong and resilient performance, achieving significant improvements across all major indicators.

Profit before tax rose sharply to GH¢629.93 million from GH¢253.58 million in 2024, representing an outstanding 148 per cent growth. 

This performance, he said, was driven by robust revenue growth, improved operational efficiency, and disciplined balance sheet management.

Profit after tax also increased substantially, reaching GH¢407.1 million, compared to GH¢164.31 million recorded in the previous year, reflecting the bank's continued focus on sustainable earnings and value creation for all stakeholders.

“Gross earnings grew to GH¢1.46 billion, up from GH¢1.27 billion in 2024, supported mainly by the expansion in interest-earning assets and enhanced customer activity. 

Interest income rose by 8.6 per cent, reaching GH¢1.13 billion, compared to GH¢1.04 billion in the prior year,” Mr Gyebi said.

Income from fees and commission also increased by 38 per cent, while net loans also increased to GH¢1.28 billion, up from GH¢1.14 billion in 2024.

He said the bank maintained a healthy balance sheet, with total assets increasing by 17 per cent, closing the year at GH¢11.54 billion, up from GH¢9.85 billion in 2024. 

“This growth was driven primarily by strong deposit mobilisation and prudent asset allocation. Customer deposits recorded impressive growth of 18 per cent, rising to GH¢8.59 billion from GH¢7.29 billion in 2024.

This demonstrates the continued trust and confidence our customers place in UBA Ghana as their preferred financial partner,” the MD stated.

Commitment 

The Board Chairman of the bank, Kweku Andoh Awotwi, said in 2026, the bank will continue to place strong emphasis on ethics, transparency and responsible leadership. 

“We are also determined to build on our 2025 performance to do even better in 2026. A key priority will be to be recognised as the number one bank in the country for exemplary Corporate Governance practices, reflecting our unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of board effectiveness, accountability, and stakeholder stewardship,” he said.

He stressed that the board will also intensify oversight of the bank's compliance framework to ensure that it consistently meets all regulatory obligations.