Local banks that opt to raise capital on the Stock Market towards meeting the 60 million cedis capital requirement might be allowed to operate even if they fail to raise all capital the by the end of the 2012 deadline. That’s what Joy Business has gathered from the Central bank. Sources say this might be the only relief the Bank of Ghana might be willing to extend to local banks that fail to meet the capital requirement. The move Joy Business sources say will be influenced by some regulations the central bank is currently working on to oblige all commercial banks in the country to list on the Ghana Stock Exchange. This, the Bank of Ghana believes will ensure public ownership in all the banks in the country and thereby enhance its regulatory role over them. Out of the 27 banks operating in the country, only seven are listed on the Exchange. About five of the local banks Joy Business has learnt are having difficulties in meeting 60 million Ghana cedis capital requirement. The Bank of Ghana in 2009 incraesed the stated capital for commercial banks to operate in the country. Whilst foreign owned-banks were required to meet the 60 million Ghana cedis capital by 2010 and have all so far met it,local banks were required to capitalized by 25 million in 2010 and 60 million Ghana cedis next year.