Offinso Community Bank Plc recorded strong financial growth in 2025, with profit before tax rising by 83.85% to GHS 6.53 million. Shareholders' funds nearly quadrupled, increasing by 287.47% to GHS 6.46 million.
This substantial growth stems from prudent management decisions, increased customer confidence, and a deliberate expansion of credit. The bank focused lending towards productive sectors of the local economy. Customer deposits also increased by 21.99% to GHS 80.06 million from GHS 65.63 million in 2024.
This performance integrates into Ghana's broader banking landscape, where community banks play a crucial role in financial inclusion. The bank's reliance on Susu deposits, accounting for 43.5% of total deposits at GHS 34.83 million, highlights its community-centric model. Such growth in local institutions can bolster economic activity in regions outside major urban centers. This also shows successful adaptation to changing financial conditions, such as the impact of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).
Board Chairman Albert Kan Dapaah attributed the strong results to these strategic decisions. He informed shareholders at the bank's 8th Annual General Meeting (AGM) that these factors drove the bank's robust performance. The increased lending activity especially benefited individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Moving forward, the bank must navigate new regulatory requirements. The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has introduced a revised stated capital requirement for community banks, raising the minimum from GHS 1 million to GHS 5 million. Banks must meet this new threshold by December 31, 2026. Offinso Community Bank has already announced a non-renounceable rights issue to existing shareholders at a discounted price of 18 Ghana pesewas per share to support this capital mobilization. This aims to secure the bank's long-term stability and compliance within the Ghanaian financial sector.
The bank's total assets grew by 28.49%, reaching GHS 87.67 million from GHS 68.23 million in the prior year. Stated capital increased by 20.7% to GHS 1.35 million. Net loans and advances also climbed significantly, rising by 59.43% to GHS 10.91 million from GHS 6.98 million. The bank disbursed GHS 19.72 million in new loans to 1,247 customers in 2025, an increase from GHS 11.34 million to 976 customers in 2024. Investments in short-term securities remained stable at GHS 46.95 million. This reflects a strategic shift towards direct lending, minimizing exposure to treasury bill yield declines after the DDEP.
Beyond financial metrics, Offinso Community Bank invested GHS 66,000 in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. These investments supported agriculture, health, education, and security within its operating communities. This demonstrates the bank's commitment to local development alongside its financial objectives.