GCB Bank PLC has announced a final dividend of GH₵1.00 per share for the 2025 financial year, following regulatory approval from the Bank of Ghana.
The announcement was made at the bank’s 32nd Annual General Meeting, where Board Chairman Joshua Alabi acknowledged that the previous year’s proposed dividend had been declined by the regulator—an outcome he described as disappointing for both shareholders and the board.
He indicated that the bank undertook extensive engagements with the central bank over the past year to address regulatory concerns, culminating in approval for the 2025 payout. The decision marks a restoration of shareholder returns and signals improved alignment between the bank and its regulator.
The dividend declaration is supported by robust financial results for 2025, reflecting significant growth across key performance indicators.
Managing Director Farihan Alhassan reported a 67.4 percent year-on-year increase in operating profit to GHS3.17 billion, alongside a 40.9 percent rise in operating income to GHS6.3 billion. He noted that the growth was broad-based, driven by multiple revenue streams.
Despite pressures on interest margins, the bank demonstrated resilience, maintaining a Net Interest Margin of 14.4 percent. This performance was supported by strong deposit mobilisation and prudent balance sheet management.
Total assets expanded by 23 percent to GHS52.6 billion, largely driven by a 19.7 percent increase in deposits to GHS41.3 billion. Loan growth was particularly strong, rising by 56.8 percent during the period.
Asset quality showed marked improvement, with the Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio declining to 10.3 percent from 15.1 percent in 2024. Management attributed this to enhanced credit underwriting standards, strengthened portfolio monitoring, and improved loan recovery efforts.
The bank’s financial performance translated into strong shareholder returns. Return on Equity reached 39 percent, while earnings per share stood at GHS7.78. Its share price also recorded a significant increase, rising from GHS6.37 in 2024 to GHS20.11 by the end of 2025.
Despite this upward trajectory, management noted that the stock continues to trade below its book value, suggesting potential for further appreciation.
Looking ahead, the bank remains focused on sustaining growth and enhancing shareholder value. Management reiterated its commitment to positioning the institution as a modern, technology-driven and competitive player within Ghana’s financial sector.
