Banking sector must help drive exports – BoG Governor

Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama has urged banks to play a more active role in financing exports and leveraging AfCFTA opportunities to strengthen Ghana’s economic recovery.

He made the call while addressing chairs, chief executives, and leaders of financial institutions at the 2025 Governor’s Day and Annual Bankers’ Dinner in Accra.

According to Dr. Asiama, the restoration of macroeconomic stability in 2025 has created space for banks to redirect focus toward productive sectors, particularly export-oriented enterprises.

“The banking sector must not sit on the sidelines of Ghana’s export agenda,” he said. “You must help shape it, and this is the moment for banks to do more.”

He noted that banks had responded positively to earlier calls to strengthen export finance desks and support agro-processing and non-traditional exports, but stressed that greater momentum is required in 2026.

“We expect this momentum to deepen, with banks playing a more active role in financing export-oriented enterprises, managing trade risk, and helping firms move from domestic markets into regional and global value chains,” Dr. Asiama stated.

The Governor explained that effective export financing benefits both the real economy and the banking sector itself, as it expands foreign exchange inflows and strengthens balance sheets.

“When banks nurture exporters, they are not doing charity,” he said. “They are expanding the country’s foreign-exchange base, strengthening their own balance sheets, and deepening the resilience of the financial system.”

Dr. Asiama urged financial institutions to move from isolated initiatives to a coordinated export finance strategy, supported by sector-specific expertise, risk-sharing instruments, and digital trade platforms.

“This is the moment for banks to design export-ready loan products, invest in trade infrastructure, and actively walk with exporters from production to payment,” he added.

He linked the call to Ghana’s broader integration agenda under AfCFTA, noting that banks have a critical role in supporting cross-border payments, trade finance, and settlement systems for small and medium-sized enterprises.

“Every container shipped, every processed good sold abroad, and every new export contract strengthens both the real economy and the banking system that serves it,” the Governor said.

Dr. Asiama assured the industry that the central bank will continue to provide policy stability, regulatory dialogue, and targeted support, but stressed that leadership, innovation, and scale must come from the banks themselves.

“Our exporters are ready, our young entrepreneurs are ready, and the global market is open,” he said. “What is needed now is a banking system fully aligned with Ghana’s drive to earn more, produce more, and compete globally.”