Fidelity Bank Ghana’s Deputy Managing Director of Wholesale Banking has reiterated the Bank’s commitment to leading the charge on investment transformation and pensions optimisation in Ghana.

Kwabena Boateng is calling for a coordinated, future-facing approach to long-term capital growth, economic resilience, and financial inclusion.

He was speaking at the 2025 edition of the Money Summit organised by the Business and Financial Times at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, on the theme "Optimising Investment and Pensions Management: Strategies for Sustainable Retirement Income and Economic Growth."

Mr. Boateng commended the Business and Financial Times (B&FT) for its consistent effort in convening critical national conversations that shape Ghana’s financial sector and long-term economic direction.

He noted that Fidelity Bank’s involvement stems from a sense of national responsibility rather than obligation.

As Ghana’s largest privately-owned indigenous bank, Fidelity is positioned uniquely and is deeply committed to providing solutions to the country's financial challenges.

“We believe in actively participating in forums like this, where we can contribute our expertise, learn from others, and collectively work towards a more robust and sustainable financial future for all Ghanaians”.

Mr. Boateng identified three critical areas that require strategic focus to unlock sustainable investment outcomes for individuals and the nation.

First, he advocated for a more market-driven approach to macroeconomic stability, emphasising the need to complement traditional interest rate adjustments with policies that channel more financing through capital markets.

“Rather than relying solely on monetary tightening to control inflation,” he noted, “we should be enabling businesses, especially SMEs, to access long-term financing through bonds, equities, and other instruments. This reduces pressure on the banking sector and builds resilience in the broader economy.”

He acknowledged the challenge posed by high Treasury bill rates, which often discourage investment in longer-term corporate instruments.

He further indicated that until recently, private sector credit was on a downward trajectory. He added that it began showing signs of recovery in February this year.

According to Mr. Boateng, private sector credit grew by 3.1% in real terms as of February 2025, compared with a decline of 14.7% in February 2024.

Mr. Boateng stressed that for capital market development to truly complement macroeconomic policy, it must be supported by fiscal discipline and inflation control.

Additionally, he highlighted the opportunity embedded in the National Pensions Regulatory Authority’s (NPRA) 2021 framework for constituent funds within Tier 2 pensions.

The regulatory shift allows pension schemes to create multiple funds with tailored investment strategies suited to different risk and age profiles.

Mr. Boateng revealed that this presents an untapped potential to direct pension capital into longer-term, high-impact sectors such as infrastructure, green financing, and private equity.

“The framework exists, but the implementation timeline remains unclear,” he noted. “We urge the NPRA to move forward. This is not just about optimising returns—it’s about using pension capital as a vehicle for national development.”

Finally, he called attention to the growing pressure to lower pension fund management fees to unsustainable levels.

While cost considerations are valid, Mr. Boateng cautioned against sacrificing quality in the name of affordability.

He advocated for a balanced fee structure that prioritizes professional excellence and long-term performance, warning that the current “race to the bottom” could hinder the ability of fund managers to attract top talent.

“You cannot safeguard the future of Ghanaian retirees with a system that disincentivises quality,” he said. “We need professionals who are not just managing money but building futures.”

Throughout his address, Mr. Boateng reaffirmed Fidelity Bank’s long-term commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable financial ecosystem.

He cited the Bank’s consistent track record of investing in long-term development, including in sectors often considered risky or underserved.

“Fidelity Bank’s purpose has always been clear—to support the ambitions of Ghanaians, from market women to young professionals. It is time for all of us—regulators, institutions, and individuals—to align our strategies to secure not only our financial futures but the sustainable growth of the entire nation,” he concluded.

The 2025 Money Summit brought together policymakers, financial institutions, investment professionals, and regulators to explore actionable solutions to strengthen Ghana’s pensions and investment landscape amid evolving macroeconomic realities.