NPL threat looms over Ghana's banking sector - IMF demands stronger action

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised concerns over rising non-performing loans (NPLs) in Ghana's banking sector. IMF Mission Chief Ruben Atoyan warned on Thursday's PM Express Business Edition that stronger supervisory action is needed to safeguard recent gains in financial stability. He said that while Ghana's banking sector had improved significantly under the Extended Credit Facility programme, key vulnerabilities remain.

Dr. Atoyan stated, "Absolutely, the reforms need to be completed, that's how we see that." He also noted that the overall strength of the banking sector has improved "drastically" during the IMF-supported programme, but the reform process is not yet complete. Dr. Atoyan cautioned that risks persist, particularly regarding rising non-performing loans, especially among the state-owned banks, and that this needs to be addressed. He explained that "While it's okay for some of the loans being defaulted, when you see the ratios going up, this is a non-performing loans ratio going up," and "This is something that we would like to be addressed by stronger supervisory action."

The IMF is currently working closely with Ghanaian authorities to address the challenges in the financial sector, particularly through tighter oversight and reforms. Dr. Atoyan pointed to additional risks within the financial system beyond traditional banks, saying, "Another sector, which needs to be addressed going forward, is specialised deposit-taking institutions (SDI), and this is a sector where the future challenges need to be addressed." The Fund is signalling that the next phase of reforms will require deeper action to address asset-quality challenges, especially in state-linked financial institutions.