Community banks have been encouraged to strategically align their operations with ongoing regulatory reforms in the microfinance sector to enhance customer service, deepen financial inclusion and support local economic development.
The Sunyani Regional Manager of ARB Apex Bank, Susan Boateng, made the call at the 40th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Kintampo Community Bank PLC held at Kintampo in the Bono East Region.
She noted that the Bank of Ghana's ongoing reforms are aimed at strengthening the rural and community banking sector through improved corporate governance, enhanced resilience and long-term sustainability.
A key component of the reforms, she explained, is the transition from the traditional “Rural Bank” designation to “Community Bank” under the revised Microfinance Sector Framework. According to her, the transition goes beyond a change in nomenclature and reflects a broader commitment to growth, accountability and deeper community engagement.
Boateng commended Kintampo Community Bank PLC for embracing the transition, describing it as a strategic move that would enable the institution to broaden its service delivery and strengthen its contribution to financial inclusion and economic empowerment within its catchment area.
On capital adequacy, she said the regulator had revised the minimum stated capital requirement for Rural and Community Banks from GH¢1 million to GH¢5 million to strengthen the sector's capacity to absorb shocks, support business growth and enhance depositor confidence.
She observed that institutions that proactively strengthen their capital base would be better positioned to finance agriculture, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), women-owned businesses and youth-led ventures, all of which are critical to local economic development.
Boateng therefore welcomed Kintampo Community Bank's efforts to improve its capital position through the proposed capitalization of income surplus and the issuance of bonus shares, describing the move as evidence of prudent planning and commitment to regulatory compliance.
She further stressed that the long-term competitiveness of community banks would depend on their ability to embrace digital transformation, invest in cybersecurity, strengthen risk management frameworks and improve customer experience.
Banks that leverage technology, build customer trust and maintain strong governance structures will remain relevant and competitive in the evolving financial services landscape,” she stated, urging management teams to prioritise staff capacity development, quality service delivery and financial inclusion initiatives.
Providing an overview of the bank's performance, Board Chairman of Kintampo Community Bank PLC, Nana Owusu Gyare II, reported strong growth across key financial indicators during the 2025 financial year. Profit after tax increased to GH¢10.29 million in 2025 from GH¢9.68 million in 2024, representing a 35.13 percent growth.
He further disclosed that total assets rose by 41.71 percent to GH¢185.73 million, while total deposits reached GH¢141.35 million during the period under review, reflecting sustained customer confidence in the bank's operations and service delivery.
Nana Owusu Gyare II expressed confidence in the bank's growth prospects, indicating that the board and management remain committed to strengthening the institution's capital base, expanding service offerings and delivering sustainable value to shareholders, customers and the communities it serves.
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