By J. K. Nabary
Awutu Bereku (C/R), July 23, GNA – Mrs Gifty Dinah Brown, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Awutu EMASA Community Bank, has urged stakeholders, institutions and the public to invest in the bank through the purchase of shares to strengthen its capital base.
She said the move would enable the bank to meet the Bank of Ghana’s regulatory requirement to increase its stated capital from GH¢1 million to GH¢5 million and ensure its long-term sustainability.
Mrs Brown made the appeal while presenting her report at the bank’s 35th Annual Stakeholders’ Durbar at Awutu Bereku in the Awutu Senya West District.
The event was held to account for the bank’s stewardship during the year under review.
She said the banking sector continued to evolve under the leadership of the Bank of Ghana, with reforms aimed at strengthening resilience, transparency and the safety of depositors’ funds.
Mrs Brown explained that as part of the reforms, all rural banks were being transitioned into community banks, necessitating the change of name from Awutu EMASA Rural Bank to Awutu EMASA Community Bank.
She noted that the country continued to experience the effects of global economic uncertainties, inflationary pressures, exchange rate volatility and the high cost of doing business, which affected households and enterprises.
Despite these challenges, she said, the bank remained resilient and recorded growth.
According to the Chairperson, the bank’s total operating income increased from GH¢6.27 million in 2024 to GH¢8.89 million in 2025, representing a 41.8 per cent growth. The improvement was attributed to interest income from loans and overdrafts, commitment fees and returns on investments.
She said total operating expenses rose from GH¢5.43 million in 2024 to GH¢7.98 million in 2025, an increase of 47 per cent, while profit before tax grew from GH¢840,955 to GH¢911,141, representing an 8.35 per cent increase.
Mrs Brown said total deposits increased from GH¢32.6 million in 2024 to GH¢42.88 million in 2025, representing a growth of 31.53 per cent. Investments stood at GH¢12.33 million at the end of December 2025 compared with GH¢16.16 million in 2024.
She also reported growth in the bank’s loans and advances portfolio during the period under review.
Mrs Brown said the bank’s responsibility extended beyond financial services, adding that its success was closely linked to the development of the communities within its operational areas.
She said the bank had supported several community initiatives, including the construction of boreholes in Awutu Bereku, sponsorship of the Awutu Awubia Festival, donations towards the Senya Akomase Festival, support for the Obrachire Circuit Sports Festival, provision of mechanic sprayers, and support for Farmers’ Day and Health Day celebrations.
“The bank continue to support communities they serve, sponsoring several initiatives, including construction of boreholes in Awutu Bereku Township, supporting the Awutu Awubia festival, donation towards Senya Akomase festival, Obrachire circuit sports, mechanic sprayers, farmers’ day celebration and Health day celebration, she said.
“We will continue to seek ways of meeting our stated capital, enhance governance, expand quality financial services and full compliance with the regulatory reforms introduced by BoG as well as strengthen and develop the Bank’s operations to maintain the confidence of our stakeholders and the numerous customers,” she added.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey