UBA Ghana recorded the lowest Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio in Ghana’s banking industry for the first half of 2026. The bank achieved an NPL ratio of 1.7%, significantly outperforming the industry average of 16.1%.
This strong asset quality was achieved while UBA Ghana simultaneously more than doubled its customer loan portfolio. The bank's loans and advances increased by 108.3% from GHS 722 million in H1 2025 to GHS 1.504 billion in H1 2026. This growth highlights the bank's ability to expand lending responsibly, supporting businesses and individuals across the economy.
UBA Ghana's performance stands out within the broader Ghanaian banking sector. The industry's overall NPL ratio improved from 23.1% in H1 2025 to 16.1% in H1 2026. While 17 banks improved their NPL positions, UBA Ghana's 1.7% ratio is substantially below the 10% regulatory threshold. This indicates a robust financial position and effective risk management practices within the institution.
Kenneth Amponsah, Chief Risk Officer of UBA Ghana, attributed these results to the bank’s disciplined approach. He emphasized strong credit risk management, continuous portfolio monitoring, and responsible lending practices. Mr. Amponsah stated that growth and asset quality must always go hand in hand for the bank. This strategy ensures that credit expansion is sustainable and supports the long-term health of the loan book.
The bank's exceptional performance suggests continued confidence in its lending strategies and risk controls. Decision-makers and market participants will closely watch how UBA Ghana sustains this balance of aggressive growth and superior asset quality. Its approach could set a benchmark for other financial institutions in Ghana aiming for similar outcomes. The bank's commitment to supporting productive sectors of the economy while maintaining low NPLs is a positive signal for economic stability.
UBA Ghana's 1.7% NPL ratio is a significant improvement from its 17.3% NPL ratio in H1 2025. This represents a 15.6 percentage-point reduction within a single year. This rapid improvement demonstrates the effectiveness of the bank's internal policies and remediation efforts. The bank's loan growth of 108.3% also far exceeded the industry's average loan growth of 50.3% during the same period. The overall industry loans to customers grew from GHS 71.3 billion in H1 2025 to GHS 107.2 billion in H1 2026.
Mr. Amponsah further noted that UBA Ghana's diversified loan portfolio contributes to its success. The bank focuses on Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) loans, AfCFTA loans to support exports, and consumer loans. Total support to SMEs for the period under review reached approximately GHS 1.5 billion. This strategic focus helps to spread risk and cater to various segments of the Ghanaian economy. The bank also incorporates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into its loan assessments. This ensures that its loan book supports sustainable economic activities and promotes responsible business practices among its clients.
UBA Ghana plans to continue leveraging its robust risk-management framework and extensive African network. This will enable it to provide responsible financing to businesses and individuals. The bank aims to safeguard depositors’ funds and maintain a healthy loan portfolio. The combination of industry-leading asset quality and strong loan growth reinforces UBA Ghana’s commitment to sustainable growth. It also highlights its prudent risk management as it supports economic activity across Ghana. This disciplined approach positions UBA Ghana as a key player in the nation's financial landscape.