Africa-Press – Ghana. Bankers, policy experts and industry leaders have called for deliberate steps to convert Ghana’s hard-won macroeconomic stability into tangible growth, job creation, and productivity gains.
They warned that stability alone was not enough to shield the economy from global shocks.
The stakeholders made the call at the Chartered Institute of Bankers Ghana’s (CIB Ghana) Post-MPC Policy Seminar, held on the theme: “Balancing Stability and Growth: Interest Rates Impact in Geopolitical Shocks.”
Togbe Asiama Krakani V, FCIB, CIB Ghana Vice President highlighted the Institute’s role as the talent and leadership engine for the banking sector.
He said this was the second Post-MPC seminar and forum provided a platform to discuss how macroeconomic gains could be consolidated and leveraged to support sustainable growth.
The seminar brought together representatives from the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Ministry of Finance, the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA), key banking institutions, and students.
Mr. Robert Dzato, Chief Executive Officer of CIB Ghana, FCIB presented insights from a survey conducted across the banking sector, engaging Head of Banks, Heads of treasury, credit risk officers, and other senior executives.
The survey showed confidence in Ghana’s macroeconomic environment, with about 72 per cent of respondents expressing high confidence in economic stability and 89 per cent anticipating improved lending appetite over the next quarter.
The survey revealed broad alignment between the BoG’s policy rates and lending rates, although some segments, particularly savings and loans, face high real interest rates and restrictive funding conditions.
He said Banks noted opportunities in digital assets and cryptocurrency, while maintaining cautious risk management practices.
“Our findings indicate that stability is being effectively transmitted into lending, but there is scope for further easing to support the real sector,” Mr. Dzato said.
Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, in a speech read on his behalf by Dr. Philip Abradu-Otoo, Director of Research, emphasised that the Central Bank’s focus in 2026 was shifting from macroeconomic stabilization to durable, inclusive growth.
He said the recent cut in the policy rate to 14 per cent from 15.5 per cent aimed at lower borrowing costs, expanding credit access for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and traders, and enhancing the effectiveness of monetary policy.
Dr. Abradu-Otoo noted the country’s remarkable macroeconomic turnaround, citing headline inflation of 3.3 percent in February 2026, relative stability of the cedi and gross international reserves.
He said that these gains provided a platform for inclusive growth and reinforced the need for policy coherence and regulatory support to strengthen the banking sector as a driver of economic transformation.
Policy experts and industry leaders highlighted the need to ensure that macroeconomic stability translates into tangible economic outcomes in a panel discussion.
Dr. Theo Acheampong, Technical Advisor to the Minister of Finance, said Ghana must shift focus from stabilisation alone to growth that creates jobs and strengthens productivity.
He noted structural weaknesses, particularly vulnerability to external shocks, and stressed long-term transformation in agriculture and manufacturing to build resilience and reduce import dependence.
Mr Eric Defor, representing the President of Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), called for targeted interventions.
He said this should include a dedicated industrialisation fund and warned that commercial banks alone could not provide long-term financing for manufacturers.
He urged a balanced approach to fiscal and monetary policy that prioritised production, exports, and sustainable growth.
