Government has recapitalized the National Investment Bank (NIB) with GH₵ 1.4 billion.

This, sources say was done in the form of cash and bonds to support the operations of NIB.

The move is part of efforts to restructure the bank and put it on a strong footing going forward.

In addition, government has been forced to fast-track the process as part of the conditions before the International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff takes Ghana’s fourth programme review to the IMF Board for approval.

Before the 2024 elections, the IMF was pushing government to take drastic action on NIB.

There were suggestions that government should move to shut down the bank because it was a drain on government’s finances.

However, the previous administration rejected the suggestion, opting for the injection of new funding into NIB and working with the bank to undertake some serious restructuring and governance reforms.

Government on Future of NIB

Speaking after the inauguration of the re-constituted board of NIB, chaired by former CEO of CalBank Frank Adu Jnr, the Finance Minister, Dr. Ato Forson formally disclosed that government has moved to re-capitalize the Bank.

He did not however disclosed the exact amount, pledging to provide the details in the Mid-Year Budget Review.

Recapitalizing ADB and CBG

Speaking after inaugurating the reconstituted board of Agricultural Development Bank, Dr. Ato Forson also promised that the financial institution will be recapitalize by next year.

“I want to use this medium to assure you board chairman, Chief Executive and Management of ADB that as I have done for NIB for this year, next year it will be your turn”, he said.

Dr. Forson is hopeful this will help put the bank on a strong footing to focus on its core mandate.

He added that the injection of the funds will also strengthen ADB’s financial position to better support farmers and persons in the agricultural value chain.

On recapitalization of Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG), Dr. Forson assured that the board of government’s commitment to recapitalize CBG in (2026).

 “It is equally important that this board safeguards taxpayer’s money”, he added.

BoG on recapitalization of banks 

Governor of the Bank of Ghana Dr. Johnson Asiama recently revealed that the Bank of Ghana will soon announce plans for all the commercial banks in the country to recapitalize to new levels.

However, there are strong indications that this round of recapitalization will be risk based. 

By this, government is not adopting a “one size fit all” approach but rather depending on the exposure of each financial institution.